Chikkamagaluru: Tensions flared on Friday as BJP supporters and local leaders staged protests at Hanumathappa Circle, condemning the arrest of senior party leader C T Ravi. Police took protesters into preventive custody for obstructing traffic and causing inconvenience to the public.
The arrest of Ravi, who allegedly made derogatory remarks against Karnataka minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a Legislative Council session in Belagavi, has sparked widespread demonstrations across the state, including in Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and other regions. Protesters raised slogans against the Congress government, demanding Ravi’s immediate release.
Following his detention, the BJP called for a bandh in Chikkamagaluru, Ravi’s home district. Around 100 party members gathered at Hanumathappa Circle, where they blocked roads and disrupted traffic. “We have taken them into preventive custody to maintain order. The situation is now under control,” a senior police official stated.
Ravi has denied the allegations, labeling them as “false” and claiming his arrest violates human rights. Meanwhile, BJP functionaries continue to criticize the Congress-led government, accusing it of suppressing opposition voices.
The protests reflect rising political tensions in Karnataka, with both parties trading barbs over the incident. The BJP is expected to intensify its agitation if their demands are not met, potentially escalating the political standoff further.
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