Ballari (Karnataka), Jan 17 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka organized a significant protest rally in Ballari, accusing the Congress of an attempted murder against their MLA and mining tycoon Gali Janardhana Reddy.

The party's leaders called for the swift arrest of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and insisted that the matter be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

This rally took place at the APMC Market area, attracting thousands of party supporters who criticized the Congress government's handling of the shooting incident.

Among those present were State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai, and several other prominent party figures.

During his address, Vijayendra countered rumors suggesting the cancellation of the Ballari padyatra due to internal conflicts, stating, “Our stance on the padyatra remains unchanged. We are aligned with the decisions made by the central leadership.” He concluded his speech prematurely due to health issues.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai remarked on the alliance between Janardhan Reddy and his close associate, former minister B. Sriramulu, which he claimed has unsettled Congress leaders in the region.

He likened their combined influence to a powerful force, asserting this contributed to the recent turmoil in Ballari.

Bommai issued a challenge, stating, “Let’s see how many bullets they have. Regardless of their attempts, they cannot extinguish our resolve.”

He also criticized the police actions in Hubballi regarding a Dalit woman, alleging that the Commissioner fabricated a narrative about her stripping.

MP Govind Karjol claimed that those responsible for the gunfire were contract killers, not government agents, accusing Bharath Reddy of serious wrongdoing.

Karjol urged Siddaramaiah to demonstrate moral integrity by first arresting Bharath Reddy before any investigation proceeds, or else to pass the inquiry to the CBI. He emphasized that power is temporary, but the manner of its exercise is enduring.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, condemned Bharath Reddy for his inflammatory remarks, questioning the appropriateness of suggesting violence against Janardhan Reddy.

He further questioned the strength behind such threats, asserting, “We will not be intimidated. We will confront you through the framework of the Constitution crafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.”