Janardhana Reddy backs Siddaramaiah, slams DK Shivakumar over Ballari law-and-order breakdown

Bengaluru: Senior leader and Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy launched a sharp attack on Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in the Karnataka Assembly, accusing him of undermining constitutional responsibility and worsening the law-and-order situation in Ballari.

Speaking during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, Reddy openly backed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to continue in office for the full two-and-a-half-year term, while questioning Shivakumar’s conduct and suitability for higher office.

Referring to the recent Ballari violence, Janardhana Reddy alleged that the Deputy Chief Minister’s approach sent a wrong signal at a time when firm administrative action was required.

“Looking at how D K Shivakumar behaved in the Ballari incident, God should not give him an opportunity to become Chief Minister,” Reddy remarked, urging Siddaramaiah to remain at the helm and personally ensure that law and order is restored in the region.

Reddy recounted the sequence of events surrounding the violence near his residence, stating that stone-pelting by a crowd led to police firing by security personnel, resulting in the death of a party worker.

He claimed forensic teams had collected evidence and senior police officers, including the SP and IG, had visited the spot, assuring him not to panic. Despite this, Reddy alleged that selective action was taken, including the suspension of the SP, while larger questions of accountability remained unanswered.

Taking strong exception to Shivakumar’s reported statement of standing by a Congress MLA involved in the incident, Reddy said such public posturing eroded the dignity of constitutional offices. “Standing by an MLA is one thing, but one must decide whom to stand by.

A Deputy Chief Minister must respect his position,” he said, adding that political loyalty should not come at the cost of justice. Janardhana Reddy further claimed that Ballari had witnessed a serious breakdown of law and order, with gangs, illegal arms, narcotics trade, matka gambling and unlawful clubs operating openly across city wards.

He alleged attempts were being made to sideline him to allow such illegal activities to continue unchecked. Demanding an impartial probe, Reddy called for the Ballari incident to be handed over either to the CBI or investigated by a sitting High Court judge, arguing that only an independent inquiry would restore public confidence.

He warned that if immediate legal action was not initiated, he would pursue a legal battle. “Power may come and go, but peace in Ballari must be protected,” he said, appealing to the Chief Minister to deploy competent officers and rein in criminal elements.

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