Karnataka Violence: BJP and Congress Workers Clash Over Valmiki Banner in Ballari
Stone-pelting and hand to hand combat erupt as police resort to lathi-charge; FIR filed against 11, including MLAs
New Delhi, Dec 02 : Ballari, Karnataka: Tensions erupted in Ballari on Friday as Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA G. Janardhana Reddy’s supporters clashed over the installation of a banner for an event marking the upcoming Valmiki statue inauguration on January 3.
The dispute began when Janardhana Reddy’s supporters objected to the banner, sparking a verbal altercation that quickly escalated into hand-to-hand combat and stone-pelting. Police were forced to resort to lathi charge to disperse the crowd, as hundreds of supporters from both parties gathered, heightening the unrest.
Both MLAs, who were initially away from the city, rushed to Ballari after learning of the incident. Janardhana Reddy alleged that attempts were being made to incite violence under the pretext of the Valmiki statue installation.
Police brought the situation under control, deploying hundreds of officers at the scene. SP Ballari confirmed reports of a potential casualty could not be verified at this time.
An FIR has been registered at Brucepet Police Station against 11 individuals, including Janardhana Reddy and former Karnataka Minister Sriramulu, for allegedly tearing down the banner. Further investigations are ongoing.
