Karnataka Congress MLA seals well infront of his home after astrologer's calls it an obstacle between him and cabinet seat

Congress MLA Gopal Krishna Belur on Wednesday denied allegations that an open well in front of his residence in Ward 18, Gandhi Nagar, was closed on the advice of astrologers, as per a TOI report. He also accused his political opponents of staging the controversy ahead of elections and said he would file defamation cases against former BJP MLA Harathalu Halappa and four others.

The controversy centres on an open well located on the premises of the Swami Vivekananda Library near Belur’s residence. Allegations were made that the well was situated in the northeast, or Eshanya, direction of the legislator’s house and that astrologers had advised its closure because it was allegedly affecting his prospects of becoming a cabinet minister.

Belur had reportedly lobbied for a ministerial position but lost out to Madhu Bangarappa.


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The MLA rejected the allegations, saying there was no superstitious or vastu-related reason behind the closure. He described the campaign as a politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation ahead of the elections.

Activist alleges workers were sent to fill well

Social activist Narayan Murthy accused Belur of sending workers to fill the open well, claiming it was an important source of drinking water for residents of the neighbourhood, as reported by TOI.

Murthy alleged that he personally intervened and stopped the workers from filling the well as opposition to the move grew.

Former BJP MLA Harathalu Halappa also criticised Belur, accusing the three-time MLA of acting against public interests and claiming that residents had been using the well for their daily water requirements.

MLA says alternative well was commissioned

Responding to the allegations, Belur showed documents that he said established that the disputed well was not a municipal asset.

He said authorities had already dug and commissioned an alternative public well before the old structure was closed. According to Belur, the arrangement ensured that residents did not face any disruption to their drinking water supply.

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Belur threatens defamation action

Belur said he would initiate defamation proceedings against Halappa and four associates over the allegations.

The Congress MLA also accused Halappa of having previously encroached upon public lakes, linking the allegations against him to what he described as election-related political activity.

“As an ordinary legislator, I do not go around closing public wells out of superstition. An alternative well was fully dug and commissioned before taking this step. Those staging false protests to play election politics, despite their own history of encroaching upon public lakes, will face legal defamation action,” Belur said.