From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 5: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Chief D K Shivakumar reiterated that there was no question of going back or changing the schedule of the padayatra demanding implementation of Mekedatu reservoir project unmindful of any restrictions by the BJP government in the State.

"Clarifying that the State Congress party is undertaking a walk for drinking water and not padayatra. Will continue with our padayatra from January 9 come what may," he declared on Wednesday.

Speaking to media representatives near his residence in Bengaluru, the KPCC Chief said: "The Basavaraj Bommai government is imposing night curfew from January 7 and also introducing weekend curfew from Friday night not because of the Covid pandemic. This is not Covid lockdown but BJP lockdown and BJP curfew."

"The government does not have any tough rules. They are imposing restrictions as people have been giving the ruling party tough answers. The ruling BJP is finding the political situation tough," he contended.

Referring to the State Government’s claim that over 3,000 Covid infection cases have been registered in a single day and that the number of cases have gone up from 2 to 3,000. "Let them give the list of all the infected people. We will contact and try to instil confidence in them," he said.

The State Congress president said the government has been saying no rallies and protest meetings due to Covid situation. "Ours is not a rally or protest. We are walking for water. What is the problem if we walk for water," he asked.

Shivakumar said the Congress party is fighting for the cause of the people and to get drinking water for the people and protect the interests of farmers. "Ours is not a protest or agitation. We are not observing any dharna or holding rallies. We are merely walking for water. Is walking on the road is prohibited. Are people in the entire State banned from walking on the roads? How can the government prevent people from walking on the streets", he said.

"The people are already suffering on account of the Covid pandemic. Traders, industrialists, hoteliers and restaurant owners as well as workers are seriously affected. In such a situation, how can the government impose restrictions?," he asked.

Responding to questions on Health and Medical Education Minster Dr K Sudhakar’s statement that legal action will be taken against those violating the Covid restrictions, Shivakumar wondered how the minister could swim in the pool during the first wave when the government had barred it. "Was that not a violation? Minister B Sriramulu and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa as well as Bommai himself had attended weddings, public meetings and other functions. Why no legal action was not taken against them? Let the government take action against Union Ministers who went on Janarshivada yatra," challenged the Congress leader.

Shivakumar declared that there was no change in the party’s plans to launch the padayatra from January 9. He clarified that the party is not taking a padayatra but is walking for water. "We will discuss the issue with our leaders and State Legislator Party leader. We will follow all Covid norms. We are also ready with a team of 100 doctors," he said.

The KPCC Chief attacked the BJP government for registering cases against him and Congress legislators under the Disaster Management Act accusing the government of not bothering when the BJP leaders and ministers took out protests and processions. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself held a massive rally on Tuesday. Why no action is being taken against such violations?," he asked.