Slipper Hurled at Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar in Chikkaballapur
A public event in Karnataka descended into chaos on Saturday when an individual hurled a slipper at Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar. The incident triggered immediate security intervention, forcing law enforcement officials to deploy a cane charge to control an agitated crowd.
Key Highlights
- Chikkaballapur lawmaker Pradeep Eshwar faced violent protests during a public function.
- The assault followed controversial remarks made by the legislator against a Union Minister.
- Police used force to control the crowd and detained the suspected assailant.
Police resorted to a cane charge to disperse the crowd after the slipper was thrown and detained the individual who allegedly hurled it.
Security personnel utilized force to clear the gathering following the projectile incident and took the suspect into custody.
The assault targeting Chikkaballapur legislator Pradeep Eshwar transpired during a scheduled Kempegowda Jayanti celebration organized at the Kannada Bhavan in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, on June 27, 2026.
Friction escalated when a segment of the audience, reportedly comprising Janata Dal (Secular) activists and Vokkaliga community members, vocalized deep resentment over recent public statements delivered by the lawmaker against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. The demonstrators aggressively demanded an immediate retraction and apology.
The opposition stems from the Congress lawmaker’s sharp critique of HD Kumaraswamy, where he questioned the Union Minister’s possession of more than 60 luxury wristwatches valued at tens of millions of rupees. He further challenged the land acquisition history of the minister’s family in Bidadi.
Following the volatile encounter, security details rushed the lawmaker toward his vehicle. In a display of resistance, the legislator was observed twirling his mustache and gesturing defiantly before chanting slogans honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Valmiki, and marginalized communities. This reaction prompted a demonstrator to fling footwear at him.
Subsequently, several bystanders attempted to obstruct law enforcement officers from arresting the perpetrator, sparking an intense physical confrontation and pushing match between civilians and police forces on the perimeter.
Historical Context
Political friction in the Chikkaballapur and Old Mysore regions frequently intensifies due to deep-seated electoral rivalries between the Congress party and the JD(S). The Vokkaliga community forms a major voter demographic in this belt, making verbal clashes involving prominent leaders like HD Kumaraswamy highly sensitive and prone to spark public unrest.
FAQs
What caused the protest against MLA Pradeep Eshwar?
The unrest erupted after the Congress legislator made highly critical public remarks regarding the personal assets and property dealings of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
Where did the slipper throwing incident take place?
The security breach occurred at the Kannada Bhavan in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, during an official event commemorating Kempegowda Jayanti.
How did the police manage the security situation?
Law enforcement personnel executed a cane charge to push back the aggressive crowd and successfully extracted the legislator before detaining the primary suspect.
