Banner row triggers clash, firing near Janardhan Reddy’s residence in Ballari

Supporters of Ballari City MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavati MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy clashed in Ballari on Thursday evening over tying of a banner in front of Janardhan Reddy’s residence, triggering tense moments in the area.

At one stage, the supporters of Bharat Reddy are said to have opened fire at the supporters of Janardhan Reddy near the latter’s residence.

According to preliminary information, Janardhan Reddy’s supporters objected to a banner being put up by Bharath Reddy’s supporters outside their leader’s house.

What began as a verbal altercation soon escalated following which shots are said to have been fired heightening tension in the locality.

Both MLAs, who were not in the city at the time of the incident, rushed to Ballari after learning about the clash. The former Minister and Janardhan Reddy’s close aide B. Sriramulu informed the police about the incident and reached the spot.

Sources said that the banner pertained to the installation of a Valmiki statue scheduled for Saturday and had been placed in front of Janardhan Reddy’s residence by Bharath Reddy’s supporters.

As news of the incident spread rapidly, supporters of both leaders gathered in large numbers within minutes, further escalating tension in the city. The police struggled to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.

Speaking to the media later, Janardhan Reddy made serious allegations against Bharath Reddy accusing him of hatching a conspiracy to kill him.

“Bharath Reddy, his close associate Satish Reddy and his father Nara Suryanarayana Reddy are behind the plot. Gunmen linked to Satish Reddy fired four or five rounds,” he said, displaying bullets he said were used in the firing.

Janardhan Reddy further said that attempts are being made to incite violence in the city in the name of the Valmiki statue installation and accused Bharath Reddy of intimidation and strong-arm tactics by backing criminal elements.