Cong, BJP workers clash over ORR work in Chikkamagaluru

Chikkamagaluru: Congress and BJP workers clashed over road development work in the city on Thursday in the presence of BJP MLC CT Ravi.

The face-off involved supporters of Congress MLA HD Thammaiah and Ravi over work on the outer ring road at Rampura. Ravi had visited the site to inspect the project when Congress workers blocked him and raised slogans, alleging that, though he was MLA for two decades, he did not take up the work, and that it began only after Thammaiah took an interest. They also alleged the project was being delayed because of Ravi.

Ravi, however, said he had secured approval for the work and blamed Congress for the delay, adding that work orders for the project approved in 2022 have now been issued.

Workers from both sides gathered and raised slogans, and the situation escalated into a clash.

“Though the rainy season is approaching, the contractor is delaying starting the work. The work should have started from the village, but they are trying to start it from the forest side. Ravi is aiming to malign Thammaiah’s name,” the Congress workers alleged.

Four days ago, Thammaiah visited the spot and instructed PWD engineers to begin work from the village side.

Police struggled to keep the groups apart as tension mounted. SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Congress district president KP Amshumanth blamed the BJP for trying to create a nuisance and urged the SP to act against those responsible and ensure law and order.

Police said the situation is now under control.