In response to the recent fatal violence in Ballari, the Karnataka government is actively considering the implementation of stricter regulations for issuing private firearm licences. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made this significant announcement on Saturday, highlighting the urgent need to curb the misuse of private weapons.
Government's Cautious Stance on Firearm Control
The move follows violent clashes in Ballari district where a Congress party worker lost his life after being hit by bullets. Shivakumar emphasized that this was the second such serious incident in the state, prompting a cautious and thorough review. "There is also a need to discuss the misuse of private guns with the Centre," he stated. The final decision on tougher norms will be taken after detailed discussions with the state's Home Minister.
Regarding the specific firing incident, Shivakumar indicated that the ongoing police investigation would be crucial. "The police investigation will reveal from whose gun the bullet was fired," he said, underscoring the importance of factual findings.
Vow to Counter the 'Republic of Ballari' Revival
Shivakumar strongly backed Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and issued a stern warning against BJP MLA G. Janardhana Reddy and his associates. He asserted that the state government would not allow them to revive the so-called "Republic of Ballari." This term colloquially refers to a period in the early 2000s when powerful mining magnates, including Janardhana Reddy, were perceived to wield excessive influence, overshadowing standard governance and the rule of law.
Janardhana Reddy, who was arrested by the CBI in September 2011 in illegal mining cases and subsequently barred from entering Ballari, Anantapur, and Kurnool districts, returned to Ballari in 2024 after the Supreme Court lifted the ban. Shivakumar noted that Reddy and his former associate, ex-BJP minister B. Sriramulu, had reunited after the elections. "Let them come together, but they know, and we know what exists internally between them... We will not let them establish their ‘Republic of Ballari'," the Deputy CM declared.
Clash Over Valmiki Statue Installation
Explaining the sequence of events that led to the confrontation, Shivakumar connected it to the government's initiative to install a statue of Valmiki in Ballari for the first time. He stated that Congress MLA Bharath Reddy had taken responsibility for the project, and posters related to it were put up across the city.
"What was wrong in that?" Shivakumar questioned, drawing a parallel to BJP workers putting up posters in front of his and the Chief Minister's residences in Bengaluru. He directly challenged Janardhana Reddy, asking, "What troubled you? The road in front of your house is government property, and the poster was put up on government property. What was the need to pick a fight?" He squarely held the BJP responsible for the murder of the Congress worker.
Shivakumar revealed that a five-member Congress fact-finding team, led by former minister H.M. Revanna, has been deputed to look into the incident. He stated he would comment further after receiving their report.
Defending the suspension of Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur, Shivakumar said he was fully aware of developments and had spoken to the officer minutes after learning about the incident. Dismissing Janardhana Reddy's claim of an assassination attempt, Shivakumar retorted, "He is a drama master. He is a film producer anyway. Who will attempt to kill someone who lives in like a fortress with security around him?"
