Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 24: "Unless commission is paid no project is cleared by the Karnataka government in the state," alleged BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa. Terming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government as ‘Commission government’, he said that 20% to 25% cuts are demanded from investors for clearing infrastructure projects.

Speaking after releasing the logo and the route map of BJP’s Nava Karnataka Nirmana Parivarthan Yatra in Bengaluru, Yeddyurappa said that BJP has exposed how Siddaramaiah and Energy Minister D K Shivakumar’s ‘involvement’ has caused a loss of Rs 447 crore to the state exchequer to favour a Kolkata-based coal mining company.

“The Supreme Court levied a penalty of Rs 417 crore on the private company. But Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar went out of their way and made the government pay the fine and interest on it,” alleged Yeddyurappa.

“Ever since we exposed the scam, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have been telling lies to escape. But the BJP will expose the misdeeds of the Congress government during the 75-day yatra which will cover all 224 Assembly constituencies,” he said.

The Yatra will commence on November 2 and will be one of the biggest yatras in the history of the country. The Yatra will conclude on January 28 in Bengaluru with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a mammoth convention. Party central leaders and chief ministers of BJP ruled states will address public conventions at district headquarters, he said.

BJP state general secretary Shobha Karandlaje said that a participation of three lakh workers is expected. One lakh workers will arrive in a bike rally to participate in the launch ceremony by Party National President Amit Shah, to be held at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

There will be three public meetings each day in different Assembly segments - one each at 11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm. A specially-designed “ratha” will be the lead vehicle of the yatra. Yeddyurappa will address people at multiple locations.

Union Planning and Programme Implementation Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said the party will reveal its plans and programmes for the people, if voted to power, during the yatra.