Koppal (Karnataka), Jan 5 (NationPress) A tense situation unfolded during the foundation-laying ceremony of a railway overbridge at Hitnal village in Koppal district on Monday, as Congress workers protested, claiming that protocol was violated. The protest intensified when Union Minister of State (MoS) for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, was present, with some workers even throwing chairs in his direction.

The incident took place at Hitnal village in Koppal taluk during the ceremony for the railway overbridge. Congress members contended that protocol had not been duly followed, while district in-charge minister Shivaraj Thangadagi raised strong concerns regarding the omission of local MPs, MLAs, and the district minister's names from the event invitations and banners.

The situation deteriorated quickly, leading to Union Minister Somanna leaving the venue. The ceremony for the Rs 27 crore railway overbridge project turned chaotic, with protesters obstructing the minister’s vehicle.

While Congress workers hurled chairs, Union Minister Somanna, speaking to the crowd under police protection, mentioned that he had requested Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Thangadagi and Lok Sabha member Rajashekar Basavaraj Hitnal to acknowledge that their names were included on the foundation stone.

He explained that railway officials were managing the rituals and that, according to protocol, only the Prime Minister's photograph is displayed at such events.

“I want to clarify to Minister Thangadagi and MP Hitnal that the Union government has not taken any funds from the state for this development project. The names of all local representatives are inscribed on the foundation stone. If they do not grasp this, I am unable to assist. The Union government respects local representatives by adhering to the protocol. We do not engage in politics regarding development,” Somanna stated.

He further urged Congress leaders to recognize that numerous development initiatives have been executed across the state while honoring local representatives. “The Centre and the state should cooperate like two sides of the same coin. I request Minister Thangadagi and the Lok Sabha member to participate in this event,” he added.

“I also call on Congress leaders to avoid creating unnecessary conflicts or damaging their own constituencies. The Union government does not discriminate against anyone. All names have been included,” Somanna emphasized.

Despite his appeals, Congress workers continued chanting slogans against the Union Minister.

Minister Thangadagi rushed to the stage to confront Somanna near the foundation stone.

Somanna tried to calm Thangadagi by holding his hands and explaining that their names had not been excluded.

He questioned officials present, got clarification, and showed Thangadagi that both his name and that of the Lok Sabha member were indeed on the foundation stone.

Minister Thangadagi pointed to the banner on the stage, stating that the state government makes significant contributions to the Centre through taxes and should not be treated with disrespect.

Somanna clarified that, per railway department regulations, only the Prime Minister’s photograph is allowed at such events, and even ministers' photographs are not permitted on banners or posters.

Congress workers and leaders persisted in their protests by chanting slogans, creating disturbances, and allegedly throwing chairs. Some chairs were aimed at Union Minister Somanna, but security personnel intervened to prevent any injury.

Minister Thangadagi later remarked that the protest was ignited by the absence of his name as Koppal district in-charge minister and that of local MP Rajashekar Basavaraj Hitnal from the event invitation and the stage banners.

In response to the allegations, Union Minister V. Somanna denied any breach of protocol and accused Congress workers of intentionally causing disruption. He noted that the railway overbridge projects in Hitnal, Munirabad, and Ginagera, with an overall estimated budget of Rs 27 crore, are entirely funded by the Union government.