BJP protesters clash with police outside DC office in Dharwad

On Friday, a tense standoff unfolded outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Dharwad when BJP members and leaders, protesting for the resignation of Minister for Planning and Statistics Nagendra, breached the premises. Among the protesters were MP and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, former Mayor Iresh Anchatageri, and district unit president Thippanna Majjagi.

The demand for Nagendra's resignation escalated when police locked the front gate, causing delays in addressing the protesters' memorandum. Frustrated by the perceived delay, the demonstrators attempted to climb the gate to gain entry, prompting a few police officers to intervene unsuccessfully. The protesters, undeterred, pushed the gate open and proceeded towards the office, shouting slogans.

However, they were halted by staff members who prevented them from ascending the stairs leading to the first floor. In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Additional Deputy Commissioner Geetha C.D. engaged with the protesters, accepted their memorandum, and pledged to forward their demands to the government. The crowd eventually dispersed.

Earlier, the protesters had set ablaze used tires and shouted for Nagendra's resignation. During this act, one individual doused the tires with petrol, accidentally igniting another protester's sandal, which subsequently caught fire, but the flames were swiftly extinguished.