JD(S), Congress workers clash during inauguration of community hall in Hassan village

HASSAN: Tension prevailed at Jogipura in the district after JD(S) and Congress workers got into a heated argument as MLA C N Balakrishna arrived to inaugurate a new community hall. Congress workers blocked the MLA’s way, leading to a heated exchange, with some allegedly pushing and pulling him.

The community hall was built using funds from former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and MLA Balakrishna. Congress workers claimed the construction was incomplete and demanded departmental clearance.

Despite the protests, Balakrishna inaugurated the hall, but was interrupted again by Congress workers, prompting him to cut short his speech and leave. Congress workers then damaged the name plaque and shouted slogans against the MLA.

The incident has sparked tensions between the two parties, with just over two and a half years to go before the next election, causing divisions among villagers and putting elected representatives on edge.