BJP factions clash in Arsikere

A BJP meeting held at Arsikere on Tuesday for the upcoming Council elections witnessed protests, heated arguments and fistfights.

In the presence of Excise Minister K.Gopalaiah and other leaders of the party, leaders of different factions within the taluk unit of the party entered into a heated argument.

Within minutes after the Minister left the venue, a couple of workers were assaulted by a group. Mohan Naik, a worker associated with the party’s Haranahalli unit, suffered injuries.

The party had convened the meeting at Veerashiva Kalya Mantap as part of the campaign in favour of BJP candidate H.M.Vishwanath. A group of workers raised objections when N.R.Santosh, former political secretary to the Chief Minister, addressed the gathering. They alleged that Mr. Santosh had insulted people, who had been with the party for several years.

Mr. Gopalaiah and others intervened to pacify the workers. The meeting ended amidst the chaos. As the Minister and other leaders left the venue, a group of people assaulted Mr. Mohan Naik, who had questioned the contributions of Mr. Santosh to the party in Arsikere. Mr. Naik has been admitted to a hospital in Arsikere.

The differences among factions within the party are said to be the reason for the clash. Mr. Santosh is hoping to contest from Arsikere on the BJP ticket in the next Assembly election. However, a faction is against his candidature.