JD(S) workers gherao Karnataka energy minister

Energy minister Shobha Karandlaje was gheraoed by the JD(S) workers on Saturday when she went to inaugurate a primary health centre in Tippenahalli, Bangalore North taluk.

JD(S) workers protested with black flags, demanding to know why local corporator Gayatri Javaregowda was not invited to the programme. They said this was a violation of protocol.  

The protesters also prevented Karandlaje from entering the centre. The situation worsened when the police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

Later, Karandlaje inaugurated the centre. She said: “Construction of the building was completed a few years ago. Even though the local corporator was informed and invited to the function, she failed to respond. There is no violation of the protocol. This protest has been held due to ulterior motives. As the elections are nearing, they are resorting to such activities.”