Miffed with state chief, Karnataka BJP bloc plans own padayatra | India News – Times of India

BELAGAVI: Miffed with Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra for allegedly not taking them into confidence on the ‘Mysore Chalo’ padayatra, a group of senior BJP members are mulling a similar march from Kudala Sangama in Bagalkot district to Ballari.
Members of this group, who have all along opposed the elevation of Vijayendra as president of the state unit, met on Sunday at a private hotel on the outskirts of Belagavi to discuss plans for a 188km ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra.
Led by Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Gokak legislator Ramesh Jarkiholi, the group intends to highlight the Valmiki corporation scam and the diversion of SCPTSP funds meant for Scheduled Castes and Tribes for the state govt’s guarantee schemes.
Those who attended included Harihar MLA BP Harish, former MPs Pratap Simmha, GM Siddeshwar and Annasaheb Jolle, former MLAs Arvind Limbavali and Kumar Bangarappa, and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa’s personal assistant NR Santosh. None of them had participated in the ‘Mysuru Chalo’ padayatra.
Yatnal told the gathering, “Our fight should be pro-public rather than benefit one functionary. The Muda scam is restricted to Mysuru, but the Valmiki corporation scam and diversion of SCPTSP funds are good issues for BJP to brand the govt as anti-Dalit.” He said ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra would be subject to clearance from the high command. “We will convince the high command about the need for this padayatra. The dates will be finalised after the Ganesha festival,” he said.