Violence Breaks Out in Karnataka’s Ballari as Congress, KRPP Supporters Clash; One Killed

Karnataka: The atmosphere deteriorated in the Ballari district of Karnataka on Thursday evening when supporters of Congress and Kalyana Rajya Pragati Paksha (KRPP) came face-to-face. Within no time, a minor altercation took a violent turn. A 28-year-old Congress worker was killed in the clash, leading to tension in the area. To keep the situation under control, security was increased, and additional police force had to be deployed.

Why did the controversy start by putting up the banner?

According to preliminary information, supporters of Congress MLA from Ballari City Nara Bharat Reddy were putting up banners in front of the house of KRPP MLA Janardhana Reddy in the Avambabhavi area ahead of the Valmiki statue unveiling program to be held on January 3. Janardhan Reddy's supporters objected to this very thing. First there was an argument, then the matter escalated so much that both sides came face-to-face. It is said that “the spark was small, but the fire started big.”

What happened during the clash?

According to eyewitnesses, after the argument, stone pelting started from both sides. During this time, news of the firing also came to light. A young man was shot in the clash and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. However, later the death of a Congress worker was confirmed, due to which the situation became more tense.

Why did the round of allegations and counter-allegations intensify?

After the incident, both sides accused each other. KRPP MLA Janardhan Reddy claimed that a conspiracy was hatched against him and accused Congress MLA Bharath Reddy and his close aides of a murder conspiracy. He also said that four to five rounds were fired in front of his house.

What answer did the Congress MLA give?

Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy rejected these allegations outright. On the contrary, he held Janardhan Reddy responsible for the violence. Bharath Reddy said that some people do not want peace in Ballari and want to stop the Valmiki program from happening. According to him, “When restraint breaks in politics, the common people are the first to suffer.”

What did the police do to control the situation?

Police say that they had to resort to lathi charge to control the situation. Additional forces have been deployed in the area, and security arrangements have been tightened so that the situation does not worsen again. Police said that an investigation into the case has been started and evidence is being collected to connect the entire sequence of events.

What could happen next?

At present there is tense peace in Ballari. The police are investigating from every angle, while political rhetoric has further heated up the atmosphere. Local people say that “it is the common man who burns in the fire of politics,” and now all eyes are on which direction the investigation will take.