Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Backward taluks likely to get more funds in Karnataka Budget

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, began the exercise for the 2026–27 State Budget by holding meetings with several departments on February 5, 2026. More funds are likely to be allocated for infrastructure development in backward taluks identified by the M. Govinda Rao Committee on regional imbalances.

Sources said the 172 backward taluks identified are expected to receive increased investments, as the panel had recommended an additional ₹43,914 crore over five years (2026–27 to 2031–32) across various sectors to address infrastructure deficits. A substantial portion of the State’s revenue is expected to be spent on implementing the welfare “guarantees”, as in previous years.

2. 25 ITMS cameras capturing traffic violations on Mysuru-Bengaluru highway

A total of 25 Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) cameras installed on the Mysuru-Bengaluru National Highway have been capturing various traffic violations committed by motorists. The cameras, enabled with automatic number plate detection technology, send penalty-related details along with violation information to the vehicle owners via SMS.

The ITMS cameras have been installed at various points in Bengaluru South (Ramanagara), Mandya and Mysuru city. While sharing the details of traffic violations, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said a total of 19.27 lakh offences had been recorded during 2024 and 2025. However, more than 90% of the penalties imposed on motorists for violating traffic rules are yet to be paid.

3. Karnataka Food Commission Chairperson recommends action against four personnel, fair price shop over irregularities

Four personnel, including two hostel wardens, and the owner of a fair price shop face disciplinary action following uncovering of irregularities during a visit by Karnataka State Food Commission Chairperson H. Krishna to Chamarajanagar district. Over three days, Mr. Krishna inspected schools, anganwadis, fair price shops, hostels, hospitals, and Raitha Samparka Kendras across the district.

The personnel — wardens of one hostel under the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department and another hostel under Social Welfare Department, besides a government school mid-day meal scheme staff, and an anganwadi worker — have all been placed on compulsory leave. The lapses included discrepancies in food stock records and improper maintenance of registers.

4. Shivalinge Gowda blames BJP for provoking him to speak rudely, regrets remarks

A day after the conclusion of the legislature session, Congress MLA K.M. Shivalinge Gowda on February 5, 2026, said BJP legislators Sharanu Salagar and Vedavyasa Kamath had targeted and provoked him, leading to his remarks against the RSS and the BJP in the Legislative Assembly. He expressed regret over referring to Mr. Salagar’s wife during the debate.

Mr. Gowda’s alleged unparliamentary remarks against BJP MLAs had triggered noisy scenes in the Assembly. Opposition legislators staged a dharna in the Well of the House, demanding that Mr. Gowda apologise. Mr. Salagar’s wife was the tahsildar of Basavakalyan, and Mr. Gowda alleged that the MLA had looted the money through her.