BJP’s bandh call receive mixed response in Chikkamagaluru; peace maintained: Police

Tensions flared in Chikkamagaluru on Friday as the BJP and Congress workers clashed during a bandh called by the BJP workers in protest against the arrest of Chikkamagaluru MLC CT Ravi, according to people familiar with the matter. BJP activists celebrate after the Karnataka High Court directed the police to immediately release BJP leader CT Ravi, outside his residence in Chikkamagalur, Friday BJP workers, leading the bandh, urged shopkeepers and business owners to close their establishments in protest, labelling the arrest as unjust. A verbal altercation ensued between BJP district president Devaraj Shetty and police officials outside Ravi’s residence when police attempted to arrest the protesters. I am not above the law.” Speaking on Ravi’s earlier remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said: “I saw Ravi call Rahul Gandhi a druggist on a national channel. He should admit his mistake instead of trying to cover it up.” BJP president BY Vijayendra on Friday alleged that the state police were working under pressure from the Congress, and warned chief minister Siddaramaiah that power is not “permanent” as he criticised the government over the arrest of CT Ravi.