Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed claims made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the recent clash in Ballari was a "pre-planned conspiracy". Shivakumar urged the public to await the findings of the ongoing inquiry into the matter.

Tensions are high in Ballari district following a violent incident where one person was killed. The clash occurred when Congress workers were attempting to erect a banner in preparation for a Valmiki statue unveiling ceremony.

The BJP has alleged that the incident was not spontaneous but rather a deliberate act orchestrated by the Congress party. However, Shivakumar has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that there was no pre-planning involved. He has emphasized the importance of allowing the inquiry to proceed without prejudice, and has asked for people to not jump to conclusions until the official report is released.

The incident in Ballari has further fueled the political tensions between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka. The two parties have been at odds over various issues, including a recent controversy involving a women's scheme in the Karnataka Assembly, where the BJP has alleged a scam amounting to Rs 5,000 crore.

In addition to the Ballari clash, there are reports of other instances of political unrest in the state. These include a complaint filed by a BJP leader in Chhattisgarh over a "fabricated" video.

The Karnataka government has initiated an inquiry to investigate the Ballari incident and determine the sequence of events that led to the clash. The outcome of this inquiry is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and address the allegations made by both parties.

Amidst these developments, there are also reports regarding a possible leadership change within the Karnataka Congress. Speculation is rife that DK Shivakumar may be vying for the Chief Minister's position, with some suggesting a possible change as early as January 9. However, current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated his intention to remain in his position.