From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 13: Congress opposition leader in the State Assembly and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday joined the padayatra of Congress legislator from Khanapur in Belagavi Dr Anjali Nimbalkar to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha from Sunday along with other Congress leaders.

Siddaramaiah was accompanied by Belagavi’s Congress strongman Satish Jarkiholi and other party legislators.

Dr Nimbalkar had begun the Padayatra from Khanapur on Sunday against the alleged neglect of her constituency by the State Government.

She passed through Yallur and other villages to reach the seat of the State legislature in 24 hours.

Dr Nimbalkar was accompanied by her supporters and a Varkari Bhajana Mandali that sang devotional songs along the way.

Siddaramaiah urged the State Government to ensure equitable development of all districts and taluks and to release adequate funds for development and welfare activities without any discrimination over party affiliation.

The Congress leader said the BJP government was bringing in a new anti- conversion bill as part of the `agenda of hate politics’ and polarize voters on the basis of religion.

“What is the need for such a law? It will only be misused by the police and other authorities who will target only one community. It will also enable fringe elements to commit violent acts on members of the minority,’’ he added.