The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government are headed for a showdown as the state'smain opposition party has decided to go ahead with its "Mangaluru Chalo" bike rally despite the police denying permission for the same.
Clashes between the police and BJP workers have been reported from the Jyoti circle in Mangaluru, according to ANI.
Several party leaders including state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa are expected to address the rally.
Mangaluru Police commissioner, T R Suresh, said that the police won't allow the BJP workers to carry out the rally.
The police has permitted the BJP to hold a public meeting only at the Nehru Maidan from 11 am to 2 pm on Thursday.
The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition asking for a ban on the bike rally by the BJP's Yuva Morcha.