Tension gripped the historic city of Ballari in Karnataka on Thursday, January 2, 2026, as a dispute over the installation of political banners escalated into a violent clash between supporters of rival legislators. The incident, which saw stone-pelting, a lathi charge, and alleged gunfire, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the region.
From Verbal Spat to Violent Confrontation
According to police reports, the trouble began in the Avambhavi area when supporters of Congress MLA Bharath Reddy attempted to put up banners in front of the residence of BJP MLA and former minister Janardhana Reddy. This move was strongly opposed by the latter's supporters, leading to a heated verbal exchange. The situation rapidly deteriorated from a war of words into a physical confrontation.
Both groups allegedly began pelting stones at each other. The violence intensified to such an extent that even police personnel, who rushed to the spot to control the situation, were targeted with stones. To disperse the unruly crowds and restore order, the police were forced to conduct a lathi charge.
Gunshots and Serious Allegations
The chaos took a more dangerous turn with reports of gunfire. Videos circulating on social media showed a private gunman allegedly firing shots into the air. Rumours swirled that one person had been killed in the firing, but police officials did not confirm any casualties.
Speaking to the media after the incident, BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy made grave allegations. He claimed that a conspiracy was hatched to murder him by Ballari City MLA Bharath Reddy, his aide Satish Reddy, and Bharath Reddy’s father, Nara Suryanarayana Reddy. Reddy alleged that on the pretext of the banner dispute, gunmen associated with Satish Reddy opened fire as soon as he stepped out of his vehicle after arriving from Gangavathi. He stated that four to five rounds were fired and even displayed bullets he claimed were from the incident.
Heightened Security and Political Fallout
In the aftermath of the clash, authorities deployed additional police forces as a precautionary measure and tightened security across the area to prevent any further escalation. The confrontation occurred ahead of a Valmiki statue unveiling programme scheduled for January 3 in the city, adding a communal dimension to the political rivalry.
Janardhana Reddy further accused his political opponents of attempting to "set the town on fire" under the guise of the statue installation and of using criminals for intimidation. Police have stated that a thorough investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events and verify all allegations made by both sides. The incident highlights the volatile nature of political rivalries in the region and has raised concerns about law and order.
