BJP and Congress Lock Horns Over Ballari Violence Incident

BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy accuses Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy of orchestrating violence in Ballari on January 1, involving the murder of a Congress worker. The BJP demands a CBI inquiry into the incident, alleging state interference. A planned BJP padyatra was postponed amid mounting political clashes.

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy has leveled serious accusations against Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy over the January 1 violence in Ballari. The turmoil, which culminated in the murder of a Congress worker named Rajshekar, has ignited a fierce war of words between the two dominant parties.

Reddy alleged that the Congress MLA was directly involved in the orchestrated attack, claiming it was part of a broader conspiracy to frame him and the BJP. 'This is a ploy to smear our party's image,' said Reddy, as he demanded Bharat Reddy's arrest and called for a CBI probe to ensure impartiality, citing mistrust in the state's CID.

Despite plans for a BJP padyatra in Ballari, the event has been postponed, overshadowed by accusations and counter-accusations. Meanwhile, Congress hit back, with Minister Priyank Kharge accusing the BJP of lacking leadership during the crisis. As tensions simmer, the political landscape in Karnataka remains volatile ahead of party elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)