Ballari: Janardhan Reddy makes grand reentry after 13 years

PTI, Oct 3, 2024, 8:00 PM IST

After a long gap of 13 years, Janardhan Reddy made a grand entry into his hometown, Ballari, on Thursday, October 3, capturing significant attention.

With a by-election approaching in the Sandur constituency, a massive welcome event was organized to make a strong political statement to his rivals. A large number of BJP workers and supporters greeted him with massive garlands, JCB machines, and fireworks.

The grand procession began at Allipur Mutt on the outskirts of the city, with flower showers and an open vehicle parade. Everywhere along Reddy’s route, flower petals rained down in celebration.

Traditional performances like band music, Goravara Kunita, Tamate drums, and Sumangali women’s aarti, along with numerous cultural groups, welcomed him enthusiastically. After a special puja at Allipur Mutt, Reddy is scheduled to offer prayers at the Durgamma temple before entering his home.

Janardhan Reddy was a key accused in the illegal mining case and was arrested by the CBI on September 5, 2011, leading to his imprisonment in Chanchalguda Jail, Andhra Pradesh. Due to his alleged involvement and the destruction of evidence, he was banned from entering the mining regions of Ballari, Anantapur, and Kurnool districts. As a result, Reddy had stayed away from Ballari for 13 years, making only brief visits for family events like his daughter’s wedding and other ceremonies.

Now, with the Supreme Court lifting the ban, Reddy is allowed to return to Ballari permanently.