Congress Stands by Ballari MLA Amid Banner Row Violence, Says D.K. Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Jan 2026 : Commenting on the recent incidents of violence in Ballari linked to the installation of banners, which culminated in the death of a Congress party worker, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday asserted that the Congress would firmly stand by its MLA Nara Bharath Reddy. He squarely blamed the escalation of tensions on the arrival of BJP MLA and mining baron G. Janardhana Reddy in the district.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar alleged that Ballari had remained peaceful until Janardhana Reddy entered the scene. “Until BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy came to Ballari, there was not even a single disturbance. There was no untoward incident, not even a minor FIR. Violence erupted only after his arrival,” he said, adding that under such circumstances, the BJP leader had “no moral right” to comment on the issue.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that the Congress had lost one of its workers in the violence and that responsibility for the incident would be fixed through due investigation. “We have lost our party worker. Who is responsible will emerge through the investigation. The law will take its course, and those who are guilty will be punished,” he said, reiterating that the party would not abandon its MLA. “The Congress party will stand firmly behind our MLA Bharath Reddy,” Shivakumar stated.

Explaining the background to the controversy, Shivakumar said that for the first time in Ballari, the Congress-led government had taken up the construction of a statue of Maharshi Valmiki. According to him, MLA Bharath Reddy had taken responsibility for the project, and banners and posters were displayed across the city in this regard. “What is wrong in that?” he asked, questioning why the issue had been turned into a flashpoint.

Drawing a comparison, Shivakumar said BJP workers routinely put up posters even outside his own residence. “Can I stop them? What problem has this caused to the BJP? Were the posters put up on government land? Why was there a need for Janardhana Reddy to create a confrontation over this?” he asked, suggesting that the situation was deliberately provoked.

He alleged that the BJP was attempting to politicise the tragedy instead of focusing on restoring peace. “We have lost our party worker, and the BJP is responsible for it. The investigation is underway. The Chief Minister, the Home Minister and the district in-charge minister have already spoken on the matter. I will not interfere in the police investigation,” Shivakumar clarified.

The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the Congress had constituted an internal committee under the chairmanship of senior leader H.M. Revanna to study the incident in detail. A party delegation has already been sent to Ballari to assess the ground situation and interact with local leaders and authorities.

Launching a sharp political attack, Shivakumar claimed that the BJP was unable to accept its electoral defeat in Ballari. “After their defeat, senior BJP leaders B. Sriramulu and Janardhana Reddy are rattled. I know what all exists between them and to what extent. They are trying to recreate their ‘republic’ in Ballari,” he alleged, warning that the Congress would not allow such attempts to destabilise the district.

Reiterating his earlier assertion, Shivakumar said that the city had remained calm before Janardhana Reddy’s arrival. “Until he came there, there was not a single incident of violence,” he maintained.

In response to the violence, Shivakumar said that all privately owned firearms in Ballari district had been seized as a precautionary measure. “We will prepare guidelines and frame regulations regarding the issuance and possession of firearms,” he added, indicating that the government was considering stricter controls to prevent future incidents.

When questioned about an alleged statement attributed to MLA Bharath Reddy about setting houses on fire, Shivakumar distanced himself from any such remarks. “No one will set houses on fire. I do not support that. I will first verify exactly what he has said,” he said, stressing that irresponsible statements would not be endorsed.

On posters allegedly put up by Bharath Reddy’s supporters in front of Janardhana Reddy’s house, Shivakumar questioned the objection. “Was Bharath Reddy present there? Why should Valmiki’s posters not be displayed in front of Janardhana Reddy’s house? If they are displayed, what is wrong in it?” he asked.

Addressing concerns over the firing of gunshots during the incident, Shivakumar said an investigation was ongoing. “It will be determined who fired the shots. The law will take its course, and those responsible will be punished,” he said.

Responding to queries about the transfer and suspension of officials, including the Superintendent of Police, Shivakumar said he had immediately contacted senior officers after learning about the violence. “From my experience, I understood the circumstances under which the SP spoke. I spoke to the previous SP, the IG, the MLA and other leaders. BJP leader Sriramulu also called me and informed me. I immediately alerted the police,” he said.

Emphasising that politics should not overshadow public safety, Shivakumar said restoring peace was the top priority. “The people of Ballari had begun to believe that a peaceful atmosphere was returning. That is what matters to us. As party president, I have my own responsibilities,” he said.

Dismissing Janardhana Reddy’s claim that there was a conspiracy to kill him, Shivakumar remarked, “He is a drama master. After all, he is a film producer. He stages dramas. Who would attempt to kill someone who lives in a fortress with a hundred security personnel?” He added that it was ordinary people who were living in fear and accused the BJP leader and his family of being unable to accept electoral defeat.

Team Maverick.