Karnataka BJP Unveils ‘Ballari Chalo’ Logo Ahead of September 1 Padayatra
Bengaluru: The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled the logo for its upcoming ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra. The 10-day foot march will begin on September 1 and conclude in Ballari on September 10.
The BJP has planned the march to step up its campaign against the Congress government in Karnataka. Party leaders say several public issues will be highlighted during the padayatra.
BJP to target Congress government
Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra said the party would raise the issue of minister B Nagendra’s re-induction into the state Cabinet.
Nagendra has faced allegations linked to the alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The BJP has made his resignation a key demand.
The opposition party will also focus on allegations of farmer distress, unemployment and problems related to reservation.
Alleged corruption in recruitment is another issue expected to feature prominently during the campaign. BJP leaders have described the march as an effort to highlight what they call failures of the Congress government.
‘Ballari Chalo’ to cover around 200 km
The padayatra is scheduled to start from Raichur district on September 1. Reports have identified Gurgunta as the starting point.
The march will cover the Kalyana-Karnataka region before reaching Ballari. The proposed route includes areas such as Lingasugur, Maski, Sindhanur and Siruguppa.
The total distance has been reported at around 170 km to 200 km, depending on the final route and programme. The BJP has described it as a major mobilisation across the region.
Pralhad Joshi to inaugurate march
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi is scheduled to inaugurate the padayatra on September 1.
Senior BJP leaders are expected to participate in the opening and concluding programmes. A major public rally is planned in Ballari at the end of the march on September 10.
JD(S) extends support
The BJP’s NDA ally, Janata Dal (Secular), has announced its support for the padayatra.
According to Vijayendra, JD(S) leaders are expected to participate in both the inauguration and concluding programmes. The participation is likely to give the opposition campaign a broader political presence in the region.
The ‘Ballari Chalo’ campaign comes amid intensified BJP protests over the Nagendra issue. BJP leaders were recently detained during a demonstration demanding his resignation.
With the September 1 march approaching, the BJP is expected to use the 10-day campaign to connect with voters across northern Karnataka and sharpen its attack on the ruling Congress.