By-election tensions escalate in Bagalkot

Bagalkot: Politicaltensions have intensified in Bagalkot ahead of the crucial by-elections, with both the BJP and Congress stepping up their strategies to secure victory. Amid this charged atmosphere, a controversy erupted over alleged distribution of defamatory pamphlets against BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath, leading to clashes and administrative action.

According to reports, members of the NSUI were accused of circulating pamphlets targeting the BJP candidate at Kumaraeshwar campus. The situation quickly escalated when BJP workers confronted the NSUI activists, resulting in a heated altercation between the two groups. Police intervened and detained five NSUI workers, bringing them to the Navanagar police station.

The incident triggered further chaos at the police station, where leaders and supporters from both parties gathered in large numbers. The situation turned tense, with verbal confrontations and protests creating a volatile atmosphere. Authorities had to step in to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

Following the incident, action has been taken in line with the Election Commission’s guidelines. CPI Vijaya Muragundi from the women’s police station and PSI Ashok Chouhan from Navanagar police station have been transferred. The orders were issued by Director General and Inspector General of Police Dr. M. A. Saleem.

PSI Ashok Chouhan has been posted to the IGP office of the Belagavi North Range, while CPI Vijaya Muragundi has been transferred to the Vijayapura women’s police station. The transfers are being seen as a measure to ensure neutrality and maintain law and order during the sensitive election period.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders led by Opposition Leader R. Ashoka visited the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bagalkot and submitted a memorandum. They demanded strict action against those allegedly threatening students and called for adequate protection to ensure a fair electoral environment.

The delegation included prominent leaders such as MP Govind Karjol, Rajya Sabha member Narayansa Bhandage, MLC Pujari, district president Shantagouda Patil, and Arun Shahapur.

With elections nearing, the incident has added to the already intense political climate in the region, raising concerns about law and order during the polling process.