Bengaluru, 3 Jan  

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said the Congress government would not allow BJP MLA G Janardhan Reddy to revive what he termed the “Republic of Ballari”, amid political tensions following violent clashes in the district.

Backing Ballari City Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, Shivakumar said the law would take its course in the case, in which a Congress worker was killed after gunfire was reported during clashes between rival supporters.

“The police investigation will reveal from whose gun the bullet was fired. Those found guilty will be punished,” Shivakumar said, adding that all private firearms linked to the incident had been seized.

The clashes broke out on Thursday night in parts of Ballari, reportedly over a banner dispute. Stones were allegedly pelted and shots fired, leaving one person dead and triggering tension in the area.

Shivakumar said the issue began after posters related to the installation of a Valmiki statue were put up across the city, including on a road outside Janardhan Reddy’s residence. He maintained that the posters were placed on government property and questioned the need for confrontation.

“We were organising a celebration for the Valmiki statue. What was the need to pick a fight?” he asked, alleging that the BJP was responsible for the death of the Congress worker.

The deputy chief minister said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G Parameshwara and the district in-charge minister were monitoring the situation. A team of senior Congress leaders, led by former minister Revanna, has been sent to Ballari, he added.

Accusing the BJP of being unable to accept electoral defeats in Ballari, Shivakumar said Janardhan Reddy and senior BJP leader B Sriramulu had regrouped after recent losses. “We will not allow them to bring back the old state of affairs. There will be no return of the so-called ‘Republic of Ballari’,” he said.

The term is used by Janardhan Reddy’s critics to describe the alleged dominance of the illegal mining mafia in the mineral-rich district in the past.

On the use of private firearms, Shivakumar said the government was considering stricter norms. “This is the second such incident in the state. We will discuss the misuse of private guns with the Centre and take a cautious call,” he said.

Responding to questions on the suspension of Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur, Shivakumar said he had remained in touch with senior police officers and political leader across party lines to ensure peace and normalcy.

Dismissing Janardhan Reddy’s claim that there was an attempt on his life, Shivakumar said such statements were aimed at deflecting attention. “Everyone knows their history,” he added.

Janardhan Reddy returned to Ballari in 2024 after the Supreme Court lifted a ban imposed following his arrest in 2011 in an illegal mining case.