A violent confrontation erupted in Ballari, north Karnataka, on Thursday, leaving a Congress worker dead and raising political tensions in the region. Police identified the deceased as Rajashekar, a supporter of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, who succumbed to a bullet injury. Authorities are investigating the source of the gunfire and the individuals involved.

The clash reportedly began when Congress workers attempted to put up banners outside the residence of BJP MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy in preparation for Valmiki Jayanti celebrations on January 3. Supporters of Janardhan Reddy objected to the banners, and the disagreement quickly escalated, drawing large crowds from both sides.

During the confrontation, stone-pelting broke out, prompting police to intervene with force to restore order. Prohibitory orders were imposed as a precautionary measure, and additional police personnel were deployed in the city to prevent further escalation.

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Bharath Reddy held Gali Janardhan Reddy responsible for the violence, accusing him of sabotaging the event. “We had planned a grand programme to install the Valmiki statue in the city. Janardhan Reddy created this disturbance and killed our activist to spoil the event,” he said, demanding immediate arrests of those involved.

In response, Gali Janardhan Reddy alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Bharath Reddy, his father Nara Suryanarayana Reddy, and their associate Satish Reddy. Displaying bullet casings at the scene, he claimed, “Gunmen linked to Satish Reddy fired four to five rounds as I approached my residence. The banner dispute was merely used as a pretext to incite unrest.”

Both leaders, along with former BJP minister B Sriramulu and other associates, rushed to Ballari following the incident. Police continue to investigate, examining political rivalries and the circumstances surrounding the firing, while the city remains on high alert ahead of the Valmiki Jayanti celebrations.

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