Slipper Allegedly Hurled at Karnataka Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar During Chikkaballapur Procession; KPCC Condemns Incident
Bengaluru, June 27: A slipper was allegedly hurled at Karnataka Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar during a procession in Chikkaballapur on Saturday, following a confrontation between the legislator and JD(S) workers at a Kempegowda Jayanti programme that later escalated into a law-and-order situation.
The incident occurred after a Kempegowda Jayanti programme held at Kannada Bhavan, where JD(S) workers reportedly objected to Eshwar’s presence on the dais and demanded that he step down. The protest briefly disrupted the event before seers and organisers intervened to restore order.
According to reports, tensions escalated again after the programme when Eshwar allegedly responded to slogans raised by JD(S) workers with defiant gestures, further aggravating the situation.
Later, during a procession through Chikkaballapur town, the Congress MLA was seen greeting supporters while standing through the sunroof of his vehicle when a slipper was allegedly hurled towards him by unidentified persons. The footwear narrowly missed him, triggering commotion among Congress workers and security personnel.
Police immediately intervened, detained the alleged offenders and brought the situation under control. Additional security personnel were deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation.
No injuries were reported in the incident. Police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
Condemning the incident, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad described the act as “despicable and cowardly.”
He said political differences should be resolved through democratic debate and dialogue, not through violence or intimidation.
“Attempts to suppress dissent through humiliation and aggression have no place in Karnataka’s political culture,” Hariprasad said.
Reacting to the incident, Pradeep Eshwar said he would not be intimidated by such acts and asserted that no one could silence the voice of democracy through intimidation.
He added that the Congress party stands firmly with him.
The allegations regarding the confrontation and slipper-throwing are based on statements made by the parties concerned. The police investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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