The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 10-day Ballari Chalo padayatra, led by state president B.Y. Vijayendra, completed its second day on Wednesday, 3 September after covering approximately 22 km through Raichur district, Karnataka. The march targeted the ruling Congress government over alleged corruption, commission-based practices, drought mismanagement, and diversion of funds earmarked for Dalit and other marginalised communities.

Key Developments on Day 2

The second leg of the padayatra took participants through drought-hit areas, where BJP leaders inspected crop damage and engaged with Dalit community leaders. The day's programme included a public meeting in Maski, where Vijayendra garlanded a statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and the release of documents relating to government allocations to various development corporations.

Vijayendra demanded that the Congress government issue a white paper on the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for Dalit welfare. He alleged that monies under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) had been redirected to other departments.

Funding Allegations: BJP vs Congress Numbers

Vijayendra claimed that the previous BJP government under B.S. Yediyurappa had allocated ₹850 crore to various development corporations, while the current Congress government had provided only ₹450 crore — a gap he described as evidence of neglect toward marginalised communities.

'A government that has done injustice to Dalits has no moral right or credibility to speak about their welfare,' he said, addressing the gathering.

Vijayendra's Confidence in NDA Return

Vijayendra expressed strong confidence that a BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government would return to power in Karnataka. 'Just as it is certain that the sun and moon exist, it is certain that a BJP-led NDA government will come to power in the coming days. No one can stop it,' he declared.

He framed the BJP's return to power as the 'sixth guarantee' — a pointed reference to the Congress government's existing five guarantee schemes. He also pledged that if the BJP returned to power, it would construct the proposed Navali reservoir, which he described as essential for the region.

Drought Crisis and Farmer Distress

Vijayendra sharply criticised the Congress government's handling of the drought situation, alleging that ministers and legislators had failed to respond adequately to farmers' distress. 'Farmers are unable to harvest the crops they sowed. Those who have suffered losses have reached a situation where they are contemplating suicide. We have to take the fight to the streets against the government's failure,' he said.

He alleged that the government had moved to declare additional taluks drought-affected only after the BJP announced its padayatra — suggesting the march had pressured administrative action. This comes amid reports of widespread crop damage across North Karnataka.

Other Leaders Weigh In

Former minister B. Sriramulu, addressing the padayatra in Maski, also expressed confidence that the BJP would return to power in Karnataka in 2028. He accused the Congress of shedding 'crocodile tears' over Dalit issues while allegedly diverting SCSP and TSP funds and neglecting the Kalyana Karnataka region. He alleged that farmers demanding water were facing police cases amid severe drought conditions, and pledged that a BJP government in 2028 would withdraw all such cases.

MLA Doddangouda Patil described the padayatra as a campaign aimed at securing BJP's victory in the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, adding that the programme was drawing public support across the region.

Vijayendra made clear the march would not be the end of the BJP's campaign: 'The padayatra will conclude in Ballari, but our fight will continue until the NDA government comes to power.'