Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 6: In a bid to mount pressure on the Congress-led Karnataka government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to kick off a 16-day state-wide agitation from Monday, April 7, targeting the rising cost of living and the government's decision to grant 4% reservation to Muslims in government contracts.
Addressing media persons in the city on Sunday, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka said the campaign, titled 'Janaakrosha Yatra' (Public Anger March), will be held in four distinct phases covering all major districts of the state.
"People across Karnataka are reeling under the burden of rising prices of essential commodities and basic services. The Congress government has failed to contain inflation, and common citizens are suffering. Through this movement, we want to echo the voice of the people," Ashoka stated.
Four-phase campaign across Karnataka
• Phase 1: The agitation will first take shape in the districts of Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Kodagu, Mangaluru, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, and Uttara Kannada.
• Phase 2: The yatra will then proceed to Belagavi, Hubballi, Bagalkote, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, and Bidar.
• Phase 3: In its third leg, the BJP will cover Davangere, Haveri, Gadag, Koppal, Raichur, Chitradurga, Vijayanagara, Ballari, and Tumakuru.
• Phase 4: The final stretch will include Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, and Ramanagara districts.
The saffron party has sharpened its criticism of the Congress government not only over inflation but also for introducing a controversial 4% reservation for Muslims in state government contracts—calling it a move that lacks constitutional backing.
The BJP said it would mobilize people in large numbers, holding protests, marches, and public meetings to create awareness and press for immediate government action.
"We will not sit silent. The BJP will take this fight to every household," Ashoka added.