Karnataka: Chairs hurled at Union minister Somanna over missing MP, minister names on invite

Koppal: Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Monday had to face the wrath of the followers of Koppal MP K Rajashekar Hitnal and District in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, who hurled chairs at him, after they alleged that their leaders name was not mentioned either in the invitation card or banner for inaugurating the railway over-pass at Hitnal in the district.

However, the minister’s security personnel ensured that Somanna was not injured in the incident.

Somanna was at Hitnal village in Koppal taluk to inaugurate a railway overpass constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 27 crore to ease the movement of vehicles between Munirabad-Hitnal and Ganiger villages. However, the followers of the Congress leaders created ruckus alleging the railway officials have not followed the official protocol by including the names of MP and district in-charge minister in the invitation. After raising slogans against the union minister, they later hurled chairs at him.

Somanna had to leave the event venue within five minutes after inaugurating the railway over-bridge due to the ruckus.

Later, speaking to media persons Somanna said the entire cost of the project was borne by Union government and there was no violation of protocol. The followers of the Congress leaders wanted to create ruckus during the event and resorted to throwing of chairs and creating nuisance, he said.