State Cabinet approves inauguration of Valmiki statue in Ballari
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the inauguration of a Maharshi Valmiki statue in Ballari, ending an eight-month delay caused by political violence. The statue, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, is expected to be unveiled in a large-scale event.
Why it matters
Resolves a long-standing local political and social tension involving community representation and public order.
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the inauguration of the Maharshi Valmiki statue at S.P. Circle in Ballari city, after the event had remained stalled for nearly eight months following a clash between supporters of Ballari City MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy over a banner put up near the latter’s residence on January 1, 2026. A Congress supporter was killed in a gunshot injury and several injured in the clash.
The statue, installed at the newly renovated S.P. Circle by the Ballari District Valmiki Naik Vidyabhiruddhi Sangha, was originally scheduled to be inaugurated on January 3.
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