'Janakrosh Yatra': Karnataka BJP Protests Congress Policies

Mysuru (Karnataka), April 7 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the ‘Janakrosh Yatra’ in Mysuru, the home district of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Monday. He mentioned that the BJP is organizing the yatra to protest against the anti-people policies of the Congress government in Karnataka.

Pralhad Joshi commenced the yatra by beating a drum, joined by BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Council Chalawadi Narayanaswamy, former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, and other senior leaders.

They led a protest march, accompanied by a large number of BJP workers.

Prior to the event, Union Minister Joshi and other leaders visited the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill in Mysuru to offer special prayers.

Speaking to the press, Joshi stated, "Prices have skyrocketed. Furthermore, even though the law does not allow for religion-based reservations, the government has assigned 4 percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, which is blatant appeasement."

He criticized the government for violating the Constitution and Supreme Court decisions.

Moreover, he claimed that funds meant for Dalits under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) are being redirected to fulfill guarantee schemes. "If that is the case, is the government only providing guarantees to Dalits?" he questioned.

Joshi noted that the yatra is blessed by Goddess Chamundeshwari and will be led by B.Y. Vijayendra along with R. Ashoka and Chalawadi Narayanaswamy. He also mentioned that the party has consulted legal experts regarding the religion-based reservation and will challenge it in court.

In response to the central government’s increase in petrol and diesel taxes, Joshi remarked, "The state government has reacted hastily. The Rs 2 increase will be absorbed by government-run companies, mainly the Union Government. We are not passing that Rs 2 burden onto consumers."

He added that even the state government would benefit from the tax hike, as it would receive a share. "They too will get Rs 1," he highlighted.

On April 7, the yatra will traverse Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts, followed by Mandya in the morning and Hassan in the afternoon on April 8.

On April 9, protests will occur in Kodagu and Mangaluru, while on April 10, Udupi and Chikkamagaluru will host the initial phase of protests.

The second phase of the protest will commence on April 13 in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts. Vijayendra stated that the yatra will cover all districts of the state, featuring 2-3 km-long foot marches and public meetings in every major city, with participation from senior BJP leaders.