Shivamogga: Intense drama unfolded outside the district BJP office in Shivamogga on Thursday as a protest by Congress workers over irregularities in the NEET examination escalated into a chaotic face-off between the workers of both political parties.The incident began when members of the district Congress gathered at Mahaveer Circle to stage a demonstration echoing protests at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. Demonstrators raised slogans against the Central Govt over question paper leaks and malpractice in the NEET exams, while demanding the immediate resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.However, the situation escalated rapidly when Congress leaders and party workers suddenly ran from Mahaveer Circle to lay siege to the district BJP office, situated nearly one kilometre away from the protest site. Tension flared further, when a Congress activist climbed atop a police vehicle and waved a party flag. Enraged by this, BJP workers confronted DSP Sheelavant, leading to heated arguments, pushing and shoving between opposing factions and security personnel.To prevent further violence, police detained several Congress protesters and escorted them away from the scene.Tempers flared over the decision to lower the shutters of BJP office during the commotion. BJP district general secretary Harikrishna, along with other leaders, engaged in a fiery argument with senior police officials demanding to know who ordered for the office shutters to be closed, and asserted that they were capable of defending themselves.Fearing potential retaliation from BJP workers, police immediately tightened security around the district Congress office as well. Heavy police bandobast was deployed outside the Congress premises to head off any counterprotests or further clashes. Authorities appealed the crowd to clear the area as police continued to monitor the situation closely.
