Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the violence that broke out outside the residence of BJP MLA G. Janardhana Reddy in Ballari, following a dispute over the installation of Maharishi Valmiki posters.
Kumaraswamy stated that the Karnataka government had not granted permission for installing any Maharishi Valmiki statue, for which the posters were reportedly being put up. Questioning the issue of permission, he held the government responsible for the death of a Congress supporter.
“CBI must investigate the Ballari incident. The root cause of the violence is the Maharishi Valmiki statue installation programme. As reported in newspapers, the government had not permitted any statue. The Supreme Court has directed that statues should not be installed without approval, and the state has also enacted a law to that effect,” Kumaraswamy said.
He further questioned the state government’s role, adding, “I am asking the Chief Minister—if the government granted permission on January 3, then it must take responsibility. If permission was not given, who went ahead with the installation? Everyone respects Maharishi Valmiki. However, the moment the banner installation began, it ultimately led to the killing of a Congress worker.”
Targeting the Congress leadership, Kumaraswamy remarked, “Remember this and note it down—this is the last Congress Chief Minister in Karnataka. You have turned officers into slaves. You say you will return to power in 2028; come and prove it.”
The violence claimed the life of Congress worker Rajashekhar, who was killed during clashes between supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA G. Janardhana Reddy on Thursday. The confrontation erupted over the erection of posters outside Janardhana Reddy’s residence for an event linked to the unveiling of a Maharishi Valmiki statue.
Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said a fact-finding committee led by former minister H.M. Revanna had gathered key information related to the Ballari incident. He also alleged that BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy objected to banners being put up for the statue installation programme. Shivakumar added that the state government was considering handing over the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Statues are installed everywhere. Why should anyone oppose it? Valmiki belongs to all communities. His Ramayana is read by everyone. It was wrong for BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy to object to the banners,” Shivakumar said.
Responding to Janardhana Reddy’s demand for Z+ security, the Deputy CM remarked, “He can take Z+ security or even security from the US or Iran—no one is stopping him.”
Following the incident, Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur was suspended.