Chikkamagaluru witnessed a tense confrontation between Congress and BJP workers on Thursday during a road inspection by BJP MLC CT Ravi, escalating into a clash over the development of the outer ring road at Rampura.
Face-off Over Road Project
The incident occurred when Ravi visited the site to assess progress. Congress workers, supporters of MLA HD Thammaiah, blocked him and raised slogans. They alleged that Ravi, despite being an MLA for two decades, had not initiated the work, which only began after Thammaiah took interest. They also accused Ravi of deliberately delaying the project.
Ravi's Response
Ravi countered that he had secured approval for the work and blamed the Congress for the delays. He stated that work orders for the project, approved in 2022, have now been issued. Both sides gathered, shouting slogans, and the situation quickly turned into a physical clash.
Congress Allegations
Congress workers claimed, "Though the rainy season is approaching, the contractor is delaying starting the work. The work should have started from the village, but they are trying to start it from the forest side. Ravi is aiming to malign Thammaiah’s name." Four days earlier, Thammaiah had visited the spot and instructed PWD engineers to begin work from the village side.
Police Intervention
Police struggled to keep the groups apart as tension mounted. Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Dayama arrived at the scene and managed to bring the situation under control. Congress district president KP Amshumanth blamed the BJP for creating a nuisance and urged the SP to take action against those responsible and ensure law and order. Police confirmed that the situation is now under control.
