Ballari: A violent clash erupted in Ballari when former mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy survived an attempted assassination. Supporters of MLA Bharat Reddy reportedly opened fire, discharging up to eight rounds. A Congress worker was killed in the attack, while Satish Reddy sustained bullet injuries. Janardhan Reddy escaped unharmed.
The confrontation is said to have stemmed from a dispute over the installation of flex banners outside Janardhan Reddy’s residence. A statue of Valmiki is scheduled to be unveiled in the Ballari circle on January 3, prompting supporters of MLA Bharat Reddy to put up banners in the area. A scuffle reportedly broke out when Janardhan Reddy’s security team attempted to put up banners as well.
Supporters of #Ballari City MLA #NaraBharathReddy and #Gangavati MLA #GaliJanardhanReddy clashed in Ballari on Thursday evening over tying of a banner in front of Janardhan Reddy’s residence, triggering tense moments in the area.
At one stage, the supporters of Bharat Reddy are… pic.twitter.com/zCLyL7zxff
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) January 1, 2026
Following the incident, injured Congress workers prompted MLA Bharat Reddy to arrive at the scene around 9:30 PM. Large crowds of supporters and party activists gathered, escalating the situation further. Stones and beer bottles were reportedly thrown between groups. Police intervened, but initial attempts to control the clash failed. The situation was eventually brought under control after officials fired warning shots into the air.
After the incident, Gali Janardhan Reddy addressed the media, accusing former MLA Nara Suryanarayana Reddy and his son, MLA Bharat Reddy, of having a history of criminal activity. He alleged that for the past 25 years they have been involved in rowdyism and claimed murders have occurred around them with impunity, even after bringing the BJP to power.