Tensions flare as supporters of two MLAs clash in Karnataka’s Ballari; shots fired

Ballari, Karnataka: Supporters of Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy and Ballari City MLA Nara Bharath Reddy clashed on Thursday evening over the display of a banner outside Janardhan Reddy’s residence, triggering tense moments in the area.

According to The Hindu, the confrontation began when Janardhan Reddy’s supporters objected to a banner being put up by Bharath Reddy’s supporters in front of their leader’s house. The verbal altercation quickly escalated, and at one point, shots were reportedly fired near Janardhan Reddy’s residence.

Both MLAs, who were not reportedly in Ballari at the time, rushed to the city after learning about the incident. 

Sources told The Hindu that the banner was related to the installation of a Valmiki statue scheduled for Saturday and had been placed by Bharath Reddy’s supporters. 

As news of the clash spread, supporters of both leaders gathered in large numbers, further heightening tension in the city. Police struggled to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy. The video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.