Ballari clash: BJP alleges ‘goondaism’, seeks judicial probe

BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra strongly criticised the Congress over the recent clash in Ballari and alleged that the incident reflected what he described as a “goonda raj” prevailing in Karnataka.

In a statement issued on Friday (January 2, 2025) morning on the Ballari episode, Vijayendra alleged that Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy was responsible for the violence that erupted in the city on January 1 evening, in connection with the installation of a Maharshi Valmiki statue scheduled for Saturday (January 3, 2025). He claimed that a large number of Congress workers and supporters had taken to the streets holding swords, machetes and sticks, creating fear and disorder in Ballari.

Referring to the firing reported during the clash, Vijayendra said it was “outrageous” that a private gunman linked to Satish Reddy, whom he described as a close associate of Bharath Reddy, had allegedly opened fire. He alleged that such incidents showed the arrogance of those involved and their disregard for public peace.

The BJP leader further alleged that law enforcement agencies were functioning under political pressure and claimed that Congress workers had no fear of the police. He described the entire incident as a routine event related to a banner for the Valmiki statue installation being turned into a serious and violent episode.

BJP demands judicial inquiry

Vijayendra said the BJP would not take the incident lightly and announced that the party would launch an agitation in Ballari in protest against the violence. He also demanded a thorough judicial inquiry into the entire episode by a sitting judge of the High Court.

The Ballari clash, which involved rival groups of supporters, has led to heavy police deployment across the city as authorities attempted to restore order and prevent further escalation.