Union Minister V. Somanna was met with violent protests during a public event in Karnataka on Monday, January 5, 2026. The incident, which saw chairs being hurled, unfolded in Hitnal village located in Koppal taluk.
Ceremony Turns Chaotic
The minister was present to officially open a newly constructed railway overpass. This infrastructure project, built at an estimated cost of Rs 27 crore, was designed to improve connectivity and ease vehicle movement between the villages of Munirabad-Hitnal and Ganiger. However, the inauguration ceremony quickly descended into chaos.
The Root of the Protest
The primary cause of the public anger was a perceived snub on the official invitation for the event. Attendees and local supporters were incensed because the names of their local Member of Parliament and a state minister were conspicuously absent from the invite. This omission was viewed as a grave insult, sparking the immediate and aggressive reaction from the crowd.
Protesters expressed their frustration physically by throwing chairs towards the stage where the Union Minister was seated. The situation created a major security scare and disrupted what was intended to be a celebratory event for a significant local development project.
Aftermath and Implications
The event highlights the volatile nature of local politics and the sensitivity surrounding credit and recognition for public works. While the railway overpass in Hitnal village stands as a completed project aimed at public benefit, its inauguration has been overshadowed by this political controversy.
This incident is likely to have political repercussions, raising questions about coordination between central and state authorities during official functions. It also underscores the challenges faced by public representatives when local sentiments and protocols are not adequately addressed. The security breach during the event is expected to lead to a review of protocols for minister-level visits in the state.
