Overview
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Ballari case will not go to the CBI, citing the BJP’s refusal to refer cases when it governed and saying earlier CBI probes he ordered produced little.
- The violence in Ballari left one person dead, and the BJP is demanding a central investigation while preparing protests, with leaders indicating a padyatra plan will be set after January 20.
- BJP MLA G. Janardhana Reddy condemned the state’s stance after reporting an attack on his Ballari residence and renewed calls for a CBI inquiry.
- The government has convened a joint session from January 22 to press for withdrawal of the Centre’s VB-G RAM G Act, arguing it threatens rural employment that MGNREGA supported.
- Responding to Lokayukta raids in the Excise Department and an audio referencing the minister, Siddaramaiah said the government will not obstruct the probe.