From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 5: Throwing a challenge to the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP regime, KPCC President DK Shivakumar and Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah have announced that only the two of them will walk on the padayatra demanding implementation of Mekedatu reservoir project if the government puts hurdles.

Addressing a joint press conference on Wednesday, the Congress Opposition leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC Chief Shivakumar declared that they will go ahead with the proposed padayatra from January 9 culminating in a public meeting in Bengaluru on January 19.

“Our padayatra is a walk demanding drinking water for Bengaluru citizens. We will follow all legal norms in our walk. If the government does not allow other party leaders, legislators and the public to join the padayatra, I and Siddaramaiah will walk on the road. Let the government prevent us from walking on the road for water,’’ Shivakumar said.

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar asserted that the Congress party’s padayatra is in public interest and for demanding drinking water for the people of Bengaluru and also to protect the farmers. “We will walk on the roads come what may from January 9 to 19. We have made all preparations and arrangements,’’ they said.

The two Congress leaders said the proposed padayatra from January 9 till January 19 is an apolitical programme and all organisations have been extended an invitation to join or extend support. "We have received endorsements and support from all sections of society. But the State Government and some political parties cannot tolerate our programme,’’ Shivakumar said adding: “There is no medicine or treatment for jealousy. All sorts of obstacles and hurdles are being put in our path and all attempts are being made to prevent the padayatra on the pretext of Covid pandemic. We will face the challenge.’’

The State Government claims that 3,000 cases have been reported out of the total population of 6.5 crore in Karnataka. “The government has clamped ban on all protests and imposed curfew and also weekend curfew till 5 am on January 19. This means, there is no objection for our public meeting on January 19.’’

Siddaramaiah said the party has discussed all issues and has decided that the padayatra is in the interest of the people of the State and not politically motivated. “We are ready to abide by all Covid protocols and if necessary only the two of us will walk on the roads. Let the government stop us,’’ he challenged.

“Nobody can block the flowing water or air and stop sunrise. This is natural phenomenon. Let the BJP leaders remember this. We will go ahead with our programme as already announced,’’ declared Shivakumar.

Answering questions from reporters that legal action will be taken (against the padayatra), Shivakumar said the Congress party has faced many legal cases. They filed cases against us when we launched 100 not out agitation when the petrol, diesel prices crossed the Rs 100 mark.

“But even when the government imposed restrictions on assembly of more than 50 persons, the Chief Minister and BJP leaders participated in the wedding receptions with over 1000 invitees. The Union Ministers launched Janarshivada rally flouting all norms and restrictions. Why no action was taken against all these violation? What is our crime,’’ he asked.