BJP to hold massive protest in Ballari against firing incident at Janardana Reddy’s residence

Ballari : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a large-scale protest in Ballari on January 17 to condemn the firing incident that occurred near the residence of former minister Janardana Reddy on January 1. Speaking at a press conference at Reddy’s glasshouse on Siruguppa Road, senior BJP leader and Legislative Council member Ravikumar alleged that the attack was a premeditated act targeting Reddy.

Ravikumar claimed that the Valmiki statue unveiling event in the city was deliberately disrupted under the pretext of a banner dispute. “The banner row was only a pretext. The firing on Janardana Reddy’s residence and the violence were planned in advance. Gunmen did not open fire without prior instructions,” he said. According to him, Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy orchestrated the incident, deliberately creating unrest and targeting Janardana Reddy and Sridharamulu.

He also alleged that while BJP activists using abusive language on social media were immediately arrested, no action has been taken against Congress legislators involved in instigating the incident. “This selective action clearly shows bias and political vendetta,” Ravikumar added.

The upcoming protest is expected to see the participation of prominent BJP leaders, including state president Vijayaendra, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former Chief Minister and current MP Basavaraj Bommai, among others. The protest venue has been shifted to the Ballari APMC Market grounds due to ongoing PUC examinations at the municipal grounds.

Janardana Reddy, addressing the press, stated that the protest will accommodate around 30,000 people, though over 50,000 are expected to attend. He emphasized that the movement will be carried out in stages, following the guidance of national leaders. “After the core committee meeting in Ballari, the stage program will take place, followed by key leaders submitting representations to the district administration. Our struggle will continue until the case is handed over to the CBI,” he said.

Reddy also mentioned that discussions are ongoing with HD Kumaraswamy, who may attend the protest. The event will also see participation from JDS workers, reflecting BJP-JDS coordination ahead of the upcoming GBA elections. “People are fed up with Congress misrule, and the electorate will vote in favor of BJP,” he said.

Several local BJP leaders, including former MP Sanna Pakkiarappa, district president Anil Kumar Naidu Moka, former Buda president Dammuru Shekhar, and party leader Adavi Swamy, were present at the press conference. Ravikumar reiterated that the protest is a critical part of the party’s ongoing political campaign and that it will be executed with discipline and coordination to ensure maximum impact.

The announcement has already sparked political debate in Ballari, highlighting tensions between BJP and Congress ahead of state elections. Party leaders assured that the protest will be peaceful yet firm, aiming to send a strong message against political violence and intimidation targeting BJP leaders.