Karnataka BJP to Begin 10-Day Padayatra from Lingasugur to Ballari

Karnataka: The Karnataka BJP is set to begin its 10-day padayatra from Lingasugur to Ballari on September 1, despite the resignation of B Nagendra, which had been one of the immediate political issues behind the campaign.

Nagendra resigned as Karnataka minister on August 28 amid political pressure over alleged irregularities involving the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot subsequently accepted his resignation.

The BJP has decided to continue the march and expand its focus to a wider set of issues. State BJP president B Y Vijayendra has said the campaign will raise concerns including alleged misuse of SCSP/TSP funds, reservation, drought, unemployment and development-related issues in North Karnataka.

The padayatra is scheduled to cover nine Assembly constituencies before concluding in Ballari on September 10.

The continuation of the campaign means the BJP's focus will extend beyond the resignation of Nagendra. The party is expected to highlight the Valmiki corporation issue along with broader concerns relating to governance and SC/ST welfare in the Kalyana Karnataka region.

The Congress government, meanwhile, is likely to face political pressure to respond to the issues raised by the BJP during the campaign, including those related to the Valmiki corporation and regional development.

The padayatra is therefore expected to remain a significant political activity in North Karnataka, with the BJP seeking to highlight a broader set of regional and governance-related issues.