BJP state president BY Vijayendra addressed a public meeting in Ballari on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The BJP on Saturday launched a scathing offensive against the Congress government, alleging a total breakdown of law and order in Karnataka.
Addressing a public rally in Ballari town organized as a show of strength in the wake of the January 1 banner-related clash and firing that claimed the life of Congress worker Rajashekhar Reddy, BJP state president BY Vijayendra said the recent incidents of violence, shootings, murders, robberies and assaults in Ballari were “direct evidence of state collapse” in Ballari.
‘covering up’
“Even after the firing incident that led to the death of an innocent party worker, the government has not shown any sense of responsibility. There are attempts to dilute and cover up serious cases,” he said.
Mr. Vijayendra also clarified that the BJP leadership had no objection to the padayatra announced by former Minister B. Sriramulu and MLA for Gangavati Gali Janardhana Reddy, asserting that it was a fight for justice and not directed against any individual or community.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said violence cannot be justified under any circumstances. “The clash was politically motivated. Political hatred should not drive the state to violence,” he said.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol accused the Congress government of suppressing democratic dissent and claimed public anger against the government was growing. He warned that the Ballari protest would mark the beginning of a nationwide agitation against “misrule and political violence”.
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy questioned the delay in the arrests.
The BJP leaders collectively demanded the immediate arrest of Bharath Reddy and sought to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
₹10 lakh to the victim’s family
Earlier in the day, BJP leaders visited the residence of Rajashekhar Reddy. Mr. Janardhana Reddy and his wife Aruna Lakshmi presented a check for ₹10 lakh to the bereaved family.
Mr. Sriramulu promised the family that the BJP would stand by them.
Published – 17 Jan 2026 19:03 IST