Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday launched a sharp attack on former minister G Janardhan Reddy, stating that Ballari had witnessed no unrest until Janardhan Reddy set foot in the district, and holding the BJP responsible for the violence that led to the death of a Congress worker.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Chief Minister’s residence Krishna in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said there had not been “a single disturbance, FIR, or untoward incident” in Ballari prior to Janardhan Reddy’s arrival. “After he came, riots broke out. Therefore, he has no moral right to lecture others,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Shivakumar asserted that the Congress party stands firmly behind Ballari MLA Bharath Reddy, and stressed that the party had lost a committed worker in the incident. “Who is responsible for this death will come out through the investigation. The law will take its course, and those at fault will be punished,” he said.
Responding to the controversy over posters announcing the unveiling of a Valmiki Maharshi statue, Shivakumar said the Congress government was constructing the statue in Ballari for the first time, and local legislators had taken responsibility for the programme. “Posters were put up across the city. What is wrong in that? BJP posters are put up even outside our homes—can we stop them?” he asked, questioning why BJP leaders chose confrontation over a routine political activity.
The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the BJP was unable to digest the Congress party’s electoral victory in Ballari. “After their defeat, leaders like Janardhan Reddy and Sriramulu are rattled. They are trying to re-establish their ‘republic’ in Ballari, but we will not allow it,” he warned.
On the use of firearms during the violence, Shivakumar said all private guns have since been seized, and the government would frame clear rules regarding the possession and regulation of private firearms. “An investigation is underway to determine who fired the shots. The guilty will not be spared,” he added.
Shivakumar also dismissed allegations made by Janardhan Reddy that there was a conspiracy to assassinate him. “He is a drama master. Was he not once a film producer? Who would attempt to kill someone who has built a fortress and moves around with a hundred security personnel?” he asked, ridiculing the claim. He suggested that Janardhan Reddy and his family were unable to accept electoral defeat and were therefore making such allegations.
Addressing questions on administrative actions, including transfers of police officers, Shivakumar said he had immediately spoken to the SP and other senior officials after learning about the incident. “Politics is not important here. What matters is peace and normalcy in Ballari. The people were beginning to live peacefully—that is what we want to restore,” he said, adding that as KPCC president, he had a responsibility to ensure calm.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that the Congress leadership would not interfere in the police investigation, and that accountability would be fixed strictly through legal processes.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಜನಾರ್ದನ ರೆಡ್ಡಿ ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿಗೆ ಬಂದ ನಂತರವೇ ಗಲಭೆ: ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಶಾಸಕ ಭರತ್ ರೆಡ್ಡಿ ಬೆನ್ನಿಗೆ ನಿಲ್ಲುತ್ತೇವೆ – ಡಿಕೆ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್
Also Read: Ballari Violence Update: Zameer Ahmed Khan, Bharat Reddy Brief CM Siddaramaiah on Law & Order
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