Tense Scenes at Karnataka Council Polls as Workers Clash
Voting for Karnataka's Legislative Council seats on Friday was marred by tense confrontations between Congress and BJP workers in Bengaluru and Gadag.
In Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru, a situation that was already charged became explosive after BJP MLA Munirathna arrived near a polling station. Congress workers encircled him and allegedly manhandled him. His clothes were torn, and derogatory slogans were raised against him. Supporters of both sides then came to blows, and police intervened to calm the situation.
Speaking after the incident, Munirathna took aim at the Congress leadership, particularly former MP D.K. Suresh and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He claimed that Congress workers have been deliberately targeting Suresh with personal and physical attacks since Suresh's defeat in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha election.
The long-running feud between Munirathna and the D.K. brothers, rooted in the Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Bengaluru Rural constituencies, has led to public clashes on several occasions. The Bengaluru teachers' constituency race has added another layer of rivalry, with the BJP-JD(S) alliance fielding A.P. Ranganath against Congress candidate Puttanna.
Meanwhile, in Gadag, a sharp argument broke out outside the Municipal College during voting for the Western Graduates Constituency. Workers from both parties raised slogans backing their leaders, with BJP supporters praising MLA C.C. Patil and Congress workers supporting former minister H.K. Patil.
Friction increased when BJP workers accused the police of letting Congress workers enter the polling premises, a move they said broke election rules. According to them, restrictions should have stopped party workers from coming within 100 metres of the booth. The BJP workers expressed anger over alleged unequal enforcement of rules and misuse of police power. C.C. Patil also directed criticism at police officers and demanded the immediate removal of Congress workers from the premises.
Police in Gadag had considerable difficulty controlling workers from both parties and restoring order.
The polls covered four Karnataka Legislative Council seats, comprising two graduates' constituencies and two teachers' constituencies. With 43 candidates in the fray, the contest has become increasingly interesting. Voters participated to elect members to the upper house.
The ruling Congress and opposition NDA are contesting the four seats closely. Results will be announced on October 27. This is the first election being fought under the leadership of Karnataka Congress president B.K. Hariprasad, who is himself an MLC. Five seats in the 75-member Legislative Council are presently vacant.