BJP will hold protest in Bengaluru on Monday over Ballari clash, says Ashok

The BJP stepped up its attack on the Congress government over the Ballari group clash that led to the death of a Congress activist, announcing a protest in Bengaluru on Monday (January 5), demanding action over what it termed an attempt to murder Gangavati MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy.

Speaking to mediapersons after meeting Mr. Janardhana Reddy at the latter’s residence in Ballari on Sunday, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok said the BJP would organise a large-scale agitation in Bengaluru and submit a memorandum to the Governor seeking a high-level probe into the incident.

“It is a complete breakdown of law and order in the State under Congress rule. The government is fostering a goonda raj. Despite the presence of several pieces of evidence, no clarity had emerged on who fired the bullets that led to the death. The government-constituted fact-finding panel was a cover-up exercise,” he charged and demanded a probe either by a sitting High Court judge or the CBI.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said it was ironic that the Congress was claiming ignorance despite the incident being widely known across the country.

He also questioned the conduct of Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, alleging that his statements and actions had provoked violence, and demanded his immediate suspension.

Mr. Narayanaswamy also criticised the suspension of the district Superintendent of Police, alleging that senior officers who were allegedly responsible for facilitating the mobilisation of people had been spared.

Wrong message: Somanna

Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna also met Mr. Janardhana Reddy separately during the day. During his interaction with reporters after the visit, he strongly criticised the Congress leadership, saying the banner-related violence had sent a “wrong message” to the State at the very start of the New Year.

“Valmiki statue unveiling programme was misused for political ends, disturbing peace in Ballari. The government must see that those responsible for the disturbance are brought to justice.  It must also ensure that adequate security was given to Mr. Janardhana Reddy,” he said, warning that if the State failed to act, the Centre would be compelled to intervene.