Ballari: The war of words between Congress and BJP leaders in Ballari intensified Wednesday as former MLA G Somasekhara Reddy launched a sharp attack on City MLA Nara Bharat Reddy.
At a media conference, Somasekhara Reddy accused Bharat Reddy of naming development works undertaken during the BJP’s tenure after his mother and using the name ‘Suvarna Ballari’ for govt works.
Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Former MP Sanna Fakirappa and former MLA Suresh Babu also targeted former minister B Nagendra and Ballari MP E Tukaram over their statements against BJP leaders. Download the TOI App.
Responding to Bharat Reddy’s references to former minister G Janardhana Reddy having been jailed, Somasekhara Reddy asked him to first examine his own family’s background. He alleged that Bharat Reddy’s mother-in-law, Rani Samyuktha, had faced cases investigated by the SIT and CBI and had been jailed. “Are you asking whether Janardhana Reddy is a freedom fighter? Is your mother-in-law a freedom fighter? Somasekhara Reddy asked. He also alleged that Bharat Reddy’s father, Suryanarayana Reddy, faces a case related to illegal mining. Somasekhara Reddy also criticised Congress leaders over the handling of recent developments in Ballari, including the banner controversy, saying people were aware of their conduct. He alleged that several illegal activities, including ganja, gambling and sand-related activities, were taking place in Ballari. He further claimed that contractors were reluctant to take up work and that political interference was involved in awarding contracts. He also alleged that slips related to the distribution of money to corporators during elections were found during an Enforcement Directorate raid.