Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. One year on, ASHA workers in Karnataka await promised honorarium; to strike again on February 12

More than a year after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers in Karnataka would be paid a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹10,000, the decision is yet to be formally notified and implemented. ASHA workers have called for another strike on February 12, marking their third major protest since the announcement last year.

The ASHA Workers’ Union has been seeking a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹15,000, along with an additional ₹2,000 for city-based workers — up from the current ₹8,000 per month. A ₹10,000 fixed honorarium, however, was reiterated by CM Siddaramaiah on January 11, 2025, following a meeting with Health Department officials and representatives of the ASHA Union.

The meeting had also resulted in assurances that workers would continue to receive incentives for additional tasks undertaken as part of their duties, and that they would be entitled to three months of paid leave in case of hospitalisation due to serious illness. However, union leaders say none of the assurances have materialised so far. 

2. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya detained while protesting against proposed Namma Metro fare hike in Bengaluru

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya was detained and later released by police on February 9 near Jayanagar metro station in Bengaluru, where he attempted to stage another protest against the ruling Congress government in Karnataka for the proposed hike in Namma Metro fares. In an X post, following his release, Mr. Surya slammed the Karnataka government, alleging ‘broken’ finances.

According to Mr. Surya, the proposed hike was put on hold after the Centre’s intervention. The MP staged a demonstration with an empty trunk to convey that the State Government’s promises are empty. The protest was also in response to Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar’s statement that ‘Surya is an empty trunk who is more active on social media and not on the ground’.

3. Home Minister calls meeting on Feb 11 to review safety measures by KSCA at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy stadium

With IPL 2026 season approaching, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has convened a meeting of officials and representatives of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on February 11 to discuss the possibility of providing clearance to host matches in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. On June 4, 2025, 11 persons died in a stampede outside the stadium during celebrations of RCB’s maiden victory in the IPL tournament.

After meeting a delegation of KSCA and RCB representatives, the Home Minister said that Bengaluru could be included in the IPL schedule only after clearance from the State Government. He said, “I have given time on February 11 for a meeting in which senior GBA and police officials, along with Law Department officials, will take part… The level of redressal of issues flagged by Justice D’Cunha will have to be considered. We will have to take Chief Minister’s approval.”

4. Bennehalla flood control project launched to help 37 villages in two north Karnataka districts

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a flood control project in Siraguppi village on February 8, 2026. This follows an appeal by Navalgund MLA N. H. Konaraddi and other leaders. The Bennehalla Flood Control Project is expected to benefit residents of 37 villages in Dharwad and Gadag districts, officials said in Dharwad on February 8.

The Bennehalla stream originates near Dhundasi in Shiggaon taluk of Haveri district and flows through Kundgol, Hubli, Navalgund and Rona taluks of Dharwad district, and Nargund and Rona taluks of Gadag district. During the monsoon, flash floods occur in villages on the banks of the river, causing immense damage in 37 villages of Dharwad and Gadag districts.