The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the inauguration of the Maharshi Valmiki statue at S.P. Circle in Ballari, ending an eight‑month delay that began after a violent clash on Jan 1 2026 between supporters of Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy, which left a Congress supporter dead and several injured.
The stone statue, carved by sculptor Arun Yogiraj—known for the Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya—was brought from Mysuru on Dec 25 2025 and installed by the Ballari District Valmiki Naik Vidyabhiruddhi Sangha at the newly renovated S.P. Circle. Originally slated for inauguration on Jan 3, the event was halted, the statue was draped in a saffron cloth, and the prolonged postponement sparked resentment within the Valmiki community, prompting a protest and a memorandum to the district administration demanding immediate inauguration or permission for the community to conduct the ceremony.
Welcoming the cabinet’s nod, Mr. Nara Bharath Reddy said he would seek to have Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar preside over the ceremony, inviting Valmiki community leaders and dignitaries from across Karnataka, and expecting participation of more than 50,000 people.