A confrontation unfolded during the foundation-laying event for a railway overbridge project in Hitnal village, Koppal district. Congress workers protested, claiming a breach of protocol in the presence of Union Minister V. Somanna. The situation escalated with workers throwing chairs towards the minister.
The incident occurred during the ceremony where Congress workers alleged a protocol violation. District minister Shivaraj Thangadagi objected to the exclusion of local MPs and MLAs from the event’s invitation and banners. The chaos led to Minister Somanna leaving the venue as protesters obstructed his vehicle.
Union Minister Somanna, amid the chaos, clarified that local representatives’ names were indeed included in the foundation stone. He emphasized that the Union government had followed the protocol and honored the local representatives. Despite his explanations, Congress workers continued their protest against the minister.
Minister Thangadagi confronted Somanna near the foundation stone, questioning the omission of their names. Somanna, with police protection, tried to pacify Thangadagi by showing that their names were on the stone. Thangadagi highlighted the state government’s contributions and demanded respect, while Somanna reiterated the adherence to railway department rules regarding event banners.
