Intro
Protesters displayed slippers and brooms at Eshwar’s convoy, while police and ASP Hegde ensured safe passage
Davanagere
Chikkaballapur MLA Pradeep Eshwar arrived in Davangere on Saturday to accept the challenge issued by BJP leaders ahead of the upcoming by-election, triggering a tense confrontation with party workers. The incident occurred as Eshwar was traveling from PB Road toward Raya Math near the KB Barangay BJP office.
As Eshwar’s convoy approached the BJP office, protesters brandished slippers and brooms—a symbolic show of dissent in local political culture. BJP workers, carrying leader B.G. Ajay Kumar on their shoulders, raised slogans against Eshwar, while CRPF and local police personnel quickly intervened to prevent escalation. Assistant Superintendent of Police Parameshwara Hegde mediated and allowed Eshwar’s convoy to move forward safely.
Addressing the crowd from atop his vehicle, Eshwar emphasized that he had come specifically to confront the BJP’s challenge. He accused BJP leaders of making derogatory remarks against minorities, criticizing their religion, and questioning their economic contributions. Eshwar stated that the BJP had labeled recent budget allocations for minority education as a “Muslim budget” and alleged attempts to discourage purchases from minority-owned shops.
Eshwar also highlighted his support for Congress candidate Samarth Shamanur, describing him as the “new generation” of leadership following the death of veteran leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa. He called on voters to rally behind Samarth, asserting that Ahinda (a political coalition of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) and OBC communities would show their strength in Davangere South.
“I came to the BJP office because they challenged me. They showed slippers and brooms, but this is their tradition. I am an OBC boy, yet they targeted Ahinda. We will demonstrate our strength through our candidate, Samarth,” Eshwar said.
The incident marks another flashpoint in the escalating Congress-BJP rivalry in the district, reflecting both parties’ aggressive strategies ahead of the by-election. Political analysts suggest that such confrontations could influence voter sentiment, particularly in communities targeted by these campaigns.