Ballari, Sept 9 (IANS) : The 10-day ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra by Karnataka BJP unit is heading for its final day tomorrow (September 10), with the march progressing towards Ballari for the conclusion and a massive convention.
Today’s programme began with State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra leading a bicycle rally along with other party leaders. The padyatra began from Kuditini in Sandur taluk and is scheduled to reach Valmiki Circle in Ballari by Wednesday evening.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Vijayendra said the padyatra has entered its final leg but stated that the BJP’s political struggle would continue.
“Our padyatra is entering its final leg, but the struggle will continue,” Vijayendra said, adding that the agitation would change the course of Karnataka politics.
He said the protest has generated fresh hope among people in North Karnataka and claimed that the BJP’s campaign had brought several issues concerning the region to the forefront.
Taking aim at the Congress government, Vijayendra said ruling party legislators were themselves complaining that they were not receiving adequate funds for the development of their constituencies even after 100 days of the government under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
“There is a lack of trust among the ruling party legislators. The infighting within the Congress has now turned into a crisis, and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is compelled to save his chair,” he alleged.
Vijayendra also claimed that the Chief Minister’s recent visit to the RMC Yard in Bengaluru was a result of the BJP’s agitation.
He alleged that Shivakumar has been preoccupied with the Bidadi Township project for the past three months and said the Chief Minister was now turning his attention towards issues concerning the poor.
“From the last three months, Chief Minister Shivakumar was busy with the Bidadi Township project. Day and night, he was thinking only about it. Now, he is taking time for the poor. This is the result of our agitation,” Vijayendra said.
He reiterated that the Ballari Chalo protest would have a wider political impact and said the BJP would continue raising issues concerning farmers, development and the interests of North Karnataka.
Meanwhile, extensive security arrangements have been made in Ballari ahead of the conclusion of the padayatra and the BJP convention. Around 1,200 police personnel have reportedly been deployed in the city to maintain law and order and regulate the movement of participants.
The BJP’s Ballari Chalo padayatra will culminate on Thursday with a large convention in Ballari, where senior party leaders are expected to address supporters and outline the party’s next course of action against the Congress government.
