Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri
Madikeri, Apr 9: The Karnataka BJP’s statewide 'Janakrosh Yatra', launched to protest against the Congress-led state government’s policies, entered its third day on Wednesday with a massive show of strength in Madikeri. The rally witnessed thousands of party workers and was spearheaded by Leader of Opposition R Ashoka.
The yatra is being held in various parts of the state and is expected to intensify in the communally sensitive Mangaluru district considered a BJP stronghold.
Addressing a public meeting, senior BJP leader and former state president Nalin Kumar Kateel launched a scathing attack on the Siddaramaiah-led government, calling it a ‘regime of jihadis and Tughlaqs’.
“There is no Congress government in the state it’s a government run by jihadis and Tughlaqs,” Kateel declared, accusing the administration of sidelining the Hindu community and failing to curb incidents like cow slaughter.
Echoing his sentiments, BJP state president and MLA B Y Vijayendra criticised the Congress for what he termed ‘anti-people governance’. He alleged that the Congress, after winning the elections on the promise of upliftment of backward communities under the AHINDA banner, had shifted its focus exclusively to the minority community particularly Muslims.
“They undertook padyatras on irrigation issues during the elections but have since abandoned the cause of backward communities. More than 100 backward groups are now ignored, while 4% reservation is being given to Muslims in public tenders, which is unconstitutional,” Vijayendra alleged.
He also launched a pointed attack on the government's economic policies. “Prices of over 50 essential commodities have been increased in the last 20 months. Milk prices alone have been raised three times, totalling Rs 9. Poor families are struggling,” he said.
Taking a dig at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over his criticism of LPG price hikes, Vijayendra countered, “He says the cylinder rate went up by Rs 50, but fails to mention that the Centre under PM Modi reduced it by Rs 300 last year. In March 2023, it was Rs 1,107. Now, even after the hike, it’s around Rs 850.”
He further accused the state government of misappropriating Rs 38,500 crore meant for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. “This government has not only broken promises but is now misusing funds meant for the downtrodden,” he alleged.
The Janakrosh Yatra rally in Madikeri was attended by several senior leaders including former minister B Sriramulu, MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, Legislative Council Chief Whip N. Ravikumar, State vice president M Rajendra, and others.
The BJP has announced that the yatra will continue across various districts in the coming days, ramping up pressure on the Congress government ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.