A growing rift has become evident within the Karnataka government following the unexpected sealing of the Bigg Boss house near Bengaluru by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. The controversy erupted after the board’s chairman, MLA Narendra Swamy, reportedly made the decision without informing Forest, Environment, and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre, under whose purview the board operates. This unilateral action caught the minister completely off guard, leaving him both shocked and perplexed by the chairman’s move. Sources revealed that while the chairman officially reports to the minister, he acted independently in this case, which has now created political unease and exposed cracks within the ruling administration.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken cognizance of the escalating situation and is said to be personally intervening to ease the tensions between Minister Khandre and Chairman Swamy. According to reports, Siddaramaiah intends to hold discussions with both parties to clarify the sequence of events and prevent further discord within his government. The Bigg Boss house was sealed by the Pollution Control Board over alleged environmental violations, an action that has triggered widespread debate, political friction, and administrative discomfort within the state’s leadership.
The issue has also drawn public attention, with a pro-Kannada organisation staging protests outside the Bigg Boss shooting location. The protesters expressed anger at both the television show’s management and the state authorities, accusing them of neglecting environmental concerns while continuing the production. They questioned how contestants were permitted to remain inside the premises when the alleged violations had not been resolved.
The controversy intensified when Bengaluru South Deputy Commissioner Yashwanth confirmed that the set was reopened on the directives of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. He stated that the Bigg Boss team has now been allowed to proceed with filming, although entry to the premises is restricted solely to contestants, as per the latest government instructions.
