Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jan 7: The padayatra intended to be held by Congress to pressure the ruling BJP government to go ahead with the implementation of Mekedatu from January 9 has become a prestige issue for both the parties.

Congress is adamant on going ahead with the padayatra as per the plan in the midst of strict coronavirus pandemic guidelines issued by BJP-led state government. Home minister Araga Jnanendra has warned that Congress leaders will be arrested if they try to proceed with the march, to which the Congress retorted that Jnanendra "will not be able to do so in this life and has to come in another life".

Meanwhile, the Kanakapura police on Thursday January 6 issued an order to close pubs, hotels, bars, restaurants and resorts from 10 pm on Friday, January 7 till 5 am on Monday, January 10.

Police have strictly warned the owners of these facilities against violating the weekend curfew orders. A few media reports claimed that police sub-inspectors have been asked to stand in front of hotels and resorts to ensure that the orders are followed.

The decision to shut down Kanakapura resorts has irked Congress leaders. KPCC president D K Shivakumar said, "Instructions have been given by the state government to the DC to prevent Congress padayatra on Mekedatu project. We had booked a hotel at Sangam. Now the hotel owner has been threatened and asked to close the hotel. Even if hotels are not available, we will sleep wherever we are. We have booked 5000 beds. We are holding this padayatra for the well being of Kannadigas. Even if we lose our lives, we do not care.”