Hassan: While thedust has still not settled on the audio tape allegedly exposing the BJP's Operation Lotus to topple the state government, yet another audio clip surfaced on Wednesday, this time featuring Hassan BJP MLA, Preetham Gowda, who is allegedly heard speaking derogatorily about JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda.
As the clip went viral, protesting JD(S) workers tried to barge into the MLA's home in Vidya Nagar in Hassan city, demanding an apology from him. In the melee, a BJP worker was injured in his right eye by a stone hurled by a JD(S) party worker and had to be taken to hospital, where his condition is still being evaluated, according to BJP sources.
The BJP MLA is said to have spoken against Mr Deve Gowda in Deodurga, Raichur district, a couple of days ago in the presence of state BJP chief, B.S. Yeddyurappa and MLA, Shivanagouda Nayak.
On hearing his alleged comments on the audio clip, scores of JD(S) workers rushed to Mr Preetham Gowda's home, although the BJP MLA himself was in Bengaluru attending the budget session and tried to force their way in. Some began to hurl stones in anger when they were stopped and hurt the BJP worker, who was inside the house, leaving him bleeding in the eye.
The worker was rushed to the district hospital, where he is still being examined by doctors, according to BJP leaders.
Hassan Superintendent of Police, Prakash Gowda, when contacted, said Karnataka State Reserve Police and police officials had been deployed to provide security outside the MLA's home following the incident for a couple of days until the situation calmed down. Mr Preetham Gowda could not be contacted for his response.
