A file photo of the statue being installed in Ballari.
| Photo Credit: File photo
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.The statue, carved in stone by sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who is known for sculpting the idol of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya, was brought to Ballari from Mysuru in a large truck on December 25, 2025. The inauguration had been planned as a grand event. However, the clash and subsequent tension in the city led to the programme being put on hold. The statue remained covered with a saffron cloth thereafter.The prolonged delay had also led to resentment among members of the Valmiki community. Community leaders recently staged a protest and submitted a memorandum to the district administration seeking immediate inauguration of the statue or permission for the community to conduct the programme.Welcoming the Cabinet approval, Mr. Bharath Reddy said he proposed to have the statue inaugurated by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He said leaders of the Valmiki community and other dignitaries from across Karnataka would be invited and that the event was likely to be organised with the participation of more than 50,000 people. Published - September 03, 2026 08:50 pm IST
