BJP Announces Major Protest Rally in Ballari Over Banner Riots
The Bharatiya Janata Party has revealed plans to organize a significant protest rally in Ballari on January 17. This demonstration aims to condemn the Karnataka state government's handling of the banner riot incident that occurred on New Year's Day.
Press Conference Details and Allegations
Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy and MLC N Ravikumar made this announcement during a joint press conference on Thursday. They directly accused Congress MLA Bharat Reddy of instigating the violence. According to them, Bharat Reddy politicized the unveiling of the Maharishi Valmiki statue with malicious intent.
Janardhana Reddy provided specific details about the incident. He stated that Bharat Reddy erected banners specifically to insult him. Furthermore, he alleged that Bharat Reddy directed private gunmen to shoot at him. Over forty bullets were reportedly fired on January 1. Janardhana Reddy personally found three bullets at the scene. Forensic teams recovered four additional bullets. Investigators also discovered two unfired bullets.
Serious Threats and Government Inaction
The BJP leaders leveled even more serious allegations. They claimed that Bharat Reddy openly threatened to set Ballari on fire within ten minutes. He also allegedly threatened to burn down Janardhana Reddy's residence. Despite these threats, no action has been taken against the Congress MLA.
"If BJP workers had made similar statements, would the government have remained silent?" they questioned during the press conference. "They would have been arrested immediately. Where have Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's constitutional principles gone?"
Accusations of Government Bias and Planned Protest
Janardhana Reddy and Ravikumar accused the state government of remaining completely indifferent to the statements made by the Congress MLA. They criticized what they described as the government's biased approach. In protest against this perceived injustice, the BJP has decided to stage a large-scale rally in Ballari.
The party will first hold a BJP core committee meeting in Ballari on January 17. Following this meeting, party leaders will participate in the protest at the APMC premises within the city.
Prominent Attendees and Rally Purpose
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has received an invitation to attend the rally. Several senior leaders are expected to participate. These include BJP state president BY Vijayendra, R Ashoka, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Govind Karjol, and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Janardhana Reddy expressed deep concern about the current situation in Ballari. He said that people in the city are still living in fear following the riots. The rally intends to reassure residents and restore their confidence. He made a specific clarification that no banners or flags will be displayed during the protest event.
"After the protest, we will go door to door and appeal to people not to panic," Janardhana Reddy stated firmly.
