Mandya: On the night of August 7, miscreants set fire to a flex banner displaying the image of BJP state general secretary and former MLA Preetham Gowda. This occurred near Ummadahalli on the outskirts of Mandya. The banner was part of the larger ‘Mysuru Chalo’ Padayatra organised by the BJP-JD(S) alliance, which began in Bengaluru and is aimed at pressing for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over allegations related to the MUDA scam.
The rally, which reached Mandya on Wednesday, was marked by the installation of flex banners along the Mysuru-Bengaluru highway underpass to welcome the participating leaders. The destruction of the banners came to light the following morning, causing significant unrest among the rally participants and the local community.
Ongoing Padayatra and Clashes
The Padayatra resumed from Tubinakere on August 8, continuing towards Srirangapatna. The event saw hundreds of workers and leaders from both the BJP and JD(S) participating. The rally is part of a broader political strategy by the alliance to highlight their demands and mobilise public support.
However, tensions between the BJP and JD(S) were evident during the rally. On August 7, clashes erupted between workers of the two parties, sparked by the presence of Preetham Gowda. BJP supporters raised slogans in his favour, which was met with resistance from JD(S) workers. The situation escalated into a scuffle, particularly with a large group of Preetham Gowda’s supporters from Hassan joining the rally.
Intervention and Resolution
The confrontation between party workers was eventually managed through the intervention of senior leaders from both sides. The swift action by these leaders helped de-escalate the situation, restoring order to the ongoing rally. Despite this, the torching of the flex banner has further inflamed tensions and drawn attention to the underlying conflicts between the two parties.
The incident highlights the volatile nature of political rallies and the high stakes involved in the ongoing political drama in Karnataka. As the Padayatra progresses, the situation remains under close watch, with both parties navigating the complex dynamics of political engagement and public mobilisation.
Key Takeaway
The burning of Preetham Gowda’s banner is a significant marker of the intense political climate surrounding the ‘Mysuru Chalo’ Padayatra. The clash between BJP and JD(S) workers underscores the deep-seated rivalries and the high tension that characterise contemporary political movements in the region.