A significant political clash erupted in Ballari, Karnataka, on Thursday, January 1, 2026, near the residence of BJP MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy, resulting in the tragic death of a Congress worker named Rajashekhar, aged 26 or 28. The violence stemmed from a dispute over the installation of banners by supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy for an upcoming Maharshi Valmiki statue unveiling, an act objected to by Janardhan Reddy's followers. The altercation quickly escalated from verbal arguments to stone-pelting and gunfire. While police initially fired warning shots to disperse the crowd, subsequent investigations prima facie indicated that the bullet that killed Rajashekhar came from a private firearm. A private gunman, Gurucharan Singh, associated with an aide of MLA Bharat Reddy, was later arrested in connection with the shooting, and multiple firearms were seized. Following the incident, Gali Janardhan Reddy, a former minister, and ten others were booked by the Karnataka Police under various sections, including attempt to murder. Reddy alleged a conspiracy by Nara Bharath Reddy and his associates to assassinate him, a claim vehemently denied by Bharath Reddy, who in turn blamed Reddy for instigating the violence. The newly appointed Ballari Superintendent of Police was also suspended for alleged dereliction of duty. This event has drawn significant political attention, with a BJP delegation visiting the victim's family and demanding a CBI probe, highlighting ongoing political tensions in the state. As of January 18, 2026, 26 persons from both factions have been arrested, and the investigation continues to ascertain all facts and maintain peace in Ballari.