Bengaluru, Jan 3 (NationPress) Addressing the recent violence in Ballari triggered by banner installations, which led to the tragic death of a Congress worker, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asserted on Saturday that the Congress party stands firmly with MLA Nara Bharath Reddy.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Shivakumar remarked: “There was absolutely no disturbance in Ballari until BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy arrived. Prior to his visit, not a single minor incident or FIR was reported. The unrest emerged solely following his arrival.

“Hence, he lacks any moral authority to comment on this matter. The Congress party is united in support of our MLA Bharat Reddy. We mourn the loss of our party worker, and accountability will be established through the ongoing investigation. Justice will be served, and those responsible will face consequences,” Shivakumar emphasized.

“For the first time, our government is erecting a statue of Maharshi Valmiki in Ballari. Our MLA has taken the initiative for this and has displayed posters throughout the city. What’s wrong with that?” he questioned.

“BJP members have put up posters even outside my residence. Am I supposed to prevent them? What harm has this caused to the BJP? Were these posters affixed on government property? What prompted Janardhana Reddy to instigate such a conflict?” he further queried.

“We have lost a party worker, and the BJP is culpable for this. An investigation is currently underway. The Chief Minister, Home Minister, and the district in-charge minister have already commented on the issue. I will refrain from interfering with the police investigation,” he clarified.

Shivakumar mentioned that the party has formed a committee led by senior leader H.M. Revanna to examine the incident and dispatched a delegation to Ballari.

“The BJP is struggling to accept our party's victory in Ballari. Following their defeat, senior BJP figures B. Sriramulu and Janardhana Reddy seem rattled. I am aware of the dynamics between them and the extent of their rivalry. They are attempting to reestablish their ‘republic’ in Ballari,” Shivakumar stated.

“We will not permit that. Our Chief Minister has already issued explicit directives to our party members. Prior to Janardhana Reddy’s arrival, not a single incident of violence occurred,” he reiterated.

He also noted that in response to the incident, all privately owned firearms in the district have been confiscated.

“We will draft guidelines and develop regulations regarding the issuance and possession of firearms,” he added.

When questioned about MLA Bharat Reddy’s purported remark about burning houses and whether he endorsed it as KPCC president, Shivakumar responded, “No one will burn houses. I do not condone that behavior. I will first ascertain the accuracy of his statement.”

When asked about posters allegedly displayed by Bharat Reddy’s supporters in front of Janardhana Reddy’s residence, he replied, “Was Bharat Reddy there? Why shouldn’t Valmiki’s posters be displayed in front of Janardhana Reddy’s house? If they are, what is the issue with that?”

Regarding the justification for gunfire, he stated, “An investigation is ongoing to identify who discharged the shots. The law will handle the situation, and those accountable will be punished.”

On the topic of transfers and suspensions of officials, including the SP, Shivakumar mentioned, “As soon as I learned about the incident, I contacted the SP. Based on my experience, I understood the context of the SP's comments. I am aware of the responses he provided.

“I also spoke to the previous SP, the IG, the MLA, and other leaders. BJP leader Sriramulu also contacted me to inform me about the incident. I promptly alerted the police,” he stated.

“Politics is secondary here. Restoring peace is of utmost importance. The citizens of Ballari had started to believe that tranquility was returning. That is what matters to us. As party president, I have my own obligations,” he concluded.

In response to Janardhana Reddy’s assertion that there was a conspiracy to kill him, Shivakumar remarked, “He is merely seeking attention. After all, he is a film producer known for staging dramas. Who would plot to kill someone who resides in a fortified home with extensive security?

“Instead, it is the public who are living in fear in a different manner. Janardhana Reddy and his family are struggling to cope with their defeat, which is why they are making such claims. You can discern whose legacy is what,” he stated.