Karnataka: BJP, JD(S) decide to take out padyatra from August 3

Karnataka (Bengaluru) [India], July 28 (ANI): Senior BJP and JD(S) leaders discussed corruption in Karnataka at a meeting and decided to take out a seven-day ‘padyatra’ from August 3.

BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra informed that former Chief Ministers BS Yediyurappa and HD Kumaraswamy will also be participating in the Yatra.

Speaking to ANI after the meeting concluded, BY Vijayendra said, “All the senior leaders from BJP, as well as JD(S), met and discussed in detail the way corruption is taking place in Karnataka under the leadership of Siddaramaiah…In the ST Development Corporation scam, 187 crores meant for the welfare of the scheduled tribe community has been looted by the Congress government, MUDA scam and many other scams which are taking place in Karnataka.”

“Both parties have decided to take out ‘padyatra’ from 3rd August. BS Yediyurappa and HD Kumaraswamy will participate in the Yatra. It is a seven day yatra which will start on 3rd August and conclude on 10th August. National leaders of the BJP will also be present on 10th August.”

When asked about if the state government tried to stop the Yatra what will be the course of action, Vijayendra said, “If the government will try to stop our ‘padyatra’ we will not stop. Earlier as well they has obstructed our Yatra but this we are not going to step back from our decision.”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked why Siddaramaiah had not pursued action against the bank officials involved in the Maharishi Valmiki Corporation Board scam.

Addressing the media at a post-budget press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, Sitharaman said, “Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah can say this because he is quite used to speaking like that. That is not responsible.”

“Action has already been taken as a first step against the conniving officials in the bank and further lawful action will be taken against them and no protection will be offered to them, I am sure. But here is a minister who had to resign under his oversight. This has happened. Attempt to deny, an attempt to shift blame, an attempt to say there is no scandal happening,” she said.

“The Valmiki community’s money was taken away. Is there no sense of outrage? They (Congress) talk about ‘Nyay’ during election campaigns. Is this Nyay for the SCs and STs?” she stated.

Earlier on July 19, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed a ruckus over the alleged financial irregularities in a state-run corporation, with the opposition BJP and JD(S) staging a protest against the government, accusing it of “loot” and demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.