Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru
Mysuru, April 7: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, launched the ‘Janakrosh Yatra’ in Mysuru, the home district of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Monday.
Joshi stated that the BJP is organising the yatra in opposition to what it calls the "anti-people" policies of the Congress government in Karnataka.
The event commenced with Pralhad Joshi beating a drum to inaugurate the yatra, with BJP State President B Y Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Council, Chalawadi Narayanaswamy, former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda, and other senior leaders joining him in the ceremonial drum-beating.
Following this, Joshi and the other leaders led a protest march, accompanied by thousands of BJP workers.
Before the march, Joshi and the BJP leadership visited the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill in Mysuru, where they offered special prayers.
Speaking to the media, Joshi criticised the Congress government, stating, "Prices have reached record highs. On the other hand, even though the law does not permit religion-based reservations, the government has allotted 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts, which is the height of appeasement." He went on to accuse the state government of acting against the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings.
Joshi further alleged that funds allocated for Dalits under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) were being diverted to fulfil the Congress government's guarantee schemes. "If that's the case, is the government providing guarantees only to Dalits?" he asked.
He announced that the yatra was being carried out with the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari and would be led by BJP State president B Y Vijayendra, along with R Ashoka and Chalawadi Narayanaswamy. Joshi also mentioned that the BJP had consulted legal experts regarding the religion-based reservation and would challenge the policy in court.
In response to the central government's recent increase in petrol and diesel taxes, Joshi clarified, “The state government has hastily reacted. The Rs 2 increase will be borne by government-run companies – essentially the Union Government. We are not passing that Rs 2 burden onto consumers.”
He added that the state government would benefit from the tax hike as it would receive a share, noting, “They too will get Rs 1.”
The yatra on April 7 covered Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts, followed by Mandya in the morning and Hassan in the afternoon on April 8. Protests will continue in Kodagu and Mangaluru on April 9, while on April 10, Udupi and Chikkamagaluru will witness the first phase of the protest.
The second phase of the yatra will commence on April 13 in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts.
Vijayendra confirmed that the yatra would span all districts of the state, with foot marches of 2-3 km in length and public meetings in major cities. Senior BJP leaders are set to participate in these events, reinforcing the party's message and rallying support against the current government’s policies.
The ‘Janakrosh Yatra’ marks a significant political mobilisation by the BJP in Karnataka, focusing on a range of issues including price hikes, reservation policies, and the governance approach of the Congress government.