Tension as footwear throws at Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar

Tension has been rife in Chickballapur town for some time on Saturday after a confrontation broke out between Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar and JD(S) workers during the Kempe Gowda Jayanti programme, which reached a flash point when a slipper was allegedly thrown at the lawmaker during the procession.

The MLA described the incident as an “insult to an OBC leader” by JD(S) workers and its leader and union minister HD Kumaraswamy.

On learning, a group of JD(S) workers entered the venue of the program and protested the presence of Mr. Eshwar, the local MLA, on the dais. They opposed his recent remarks against Mr. Kumaraswamy. It was learned that diviners and organizers were trying to calm the situation and order was temporarily restored.

However, after his exit from the event, the situation heated up again when a Congress MLA allegedly reacted defiantly to slogans raised by JD(S) workers against him.

When Mr. Eshwar later traveled in the procession in an open jeep, some protesters allegedly threw a slipper at him, which missed him. The police arrested the persons allegedly involved in the incident.

Speaking later, Mr. Eshwar described it as an “insult to an OBC leader” by JD(S) party workers and Mr. Kumaraswamy. “You (Mr Kumaraswamy) are targeting an OBC leader, a man from an oppressed community. I will not be intimidated by your workers,” he said.

KPCC president BK Hariprasad (also an OBC leader) expressed solidarity with him, describing the incident as an “act of cowardice” and against the “spirit of dialogue and discussion” that defines Karnataka’s political culture. He said the Congress was firmly behind him. Congress leaders and supporters of Mr. Eshwar staged a protest outside the residence of the Deputy Commissioner of Chickballapur and condemned the incident.

Superintendent of Police Kushal Chouksey, who personally supervised the security arrangements at the event, reviewed the security situation after the incident. Police are also reassessing the security cover provided to Mr Eshwar.

Published – 27 Jun 2026 23:18 IST