Chaos at Koppal Railway Event: Congress Workers Throw Chairs, Block Union Minister Somanna’s Car
District in-charge Minister Tangadagi expressed displeasure over the manner in which the event was organised.
Koppal: A foundation-laying ceremony for a railway overbridge project in Koppal district was disrupted on Monday following protests by Congress workers, who alleged violation of protocol during the event.
A tense situation prevailed at the venue as protesting Congress workers were seen holding chairs, with some throwing them to the ground and shouting slogans, prompting security personnel to remain on alert to prevent any untoward incident.
The incident took place at Hitnal village in Koppal taluk, where a foundation stone was to be laid for the construction of a railway overbridge in place of LC Gate No. 77 at an estimated cost of Rs 27 crore. The project was scheduled to be inaugurated by State Railway Minister V Somanna after performing bhoomi puja.
District in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, Koppal MP Rajashekhar Hitnal and local MLA Raghavendra Hitnal arrived at the venue ahead of the Minister. After Somanna reached the site, Tangadagi objected to the absence of Congress leaders’ names on the banners and stage arrangements, terming it a breach of protocol.
Somanna proceeded with the bhoomi puja, following which Congress workers staged protests at the venue. Some protesters allegedly hurled chairs, prompting security personnel to intervene and prevent any injury. Slogans were raised against the Minister, and a group of protesters later tried to block his car by sitting in front of it.
The protesters alleged that the omission of names of Congress leaders, including the MP and MLA—both natives of Hitnal—was deliberate. However, officials pointed out that the names of all leaders were mentioned on the foundation stone.
Addressing reporters, Somanna said there was no violation of protocol. “Initially, even I was confused when it was pointed out that names were missing. Later, I verified that all names are clearly mentioned on the foundation stone,” he said, adding that the issue had been unnecessarily politicised.
District in-charge Minister Tangadagi expressed displeasure over the manner in which the event was organised.
