Ballari, 17 Jan

The Opposition BJP in Karnataka held a mega protest rally on Saturday, targeting the ruling Congress government following the clashes in Ballari that led to the death of a person.

BJP leaders demanded the arrest of Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy in connection with the clashes and sought the transfer of the investigation into the case to the CBI.

State BJP President BY Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka and Leader of Opposition in the Council and Chalavadi Narayana Swamy, former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, Janardhan Reddy, former minister B Sriramulu were among those present at the event.

Earlier in the day, the BJP leaders visited the residence of Congress worker Rajashekar, who was killed in the incident, during which Jananrdhan’s wife handed over Rs 10 lakh to the mother of the deceased, party sources said.

Addressing the rally, Vijayendra said, "The law and order has completely deteriorated under the Congress…. Police stations have turned into Congress offices, so the atrocities of anti-national forces and anti-social elements have increased. They need to be taught a lesson."

Vijayendra claimed that the BJP’s High Command had not blocked the planned 'padayatre' (foot march) from Ballari to Bengaluru. He said the BJP’s State core committee was discussing with the Central leadership about the rule about the march.

Janardhan held Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy directly responsible for the death. 

Ashoka questioned the delay in the arrest of persons involved in the killing.