Karnataka: BJP to Initiate Statewide Protests from April 2 Against Price Increases Under Congress Leadership
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Synopsis
The BJP in Karnataka is set to launch a series of statewide protests starting April 2, targeting the Congress government for its alleged price hikes and policies favoring minorities. The protests will include various events across multiple districts and a larger campaign called 'Janakrosha Yatra'.
Key Takeaways
- BJP plans statewide protests against Congress.
- Protests to commence on April 2 at Freedom Park.
- Awareness campaign named 'Janakrosha Yatra' starting April 7.
- Criticism of budget allocations favoring minorities.
- Protests to cover all districts with public meetings and marches.
Bengaluru, March 31 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka has declared a series of protests against the Congress-led administration, accusing it of placing undue burdens on the impoverished and engaging in 'appeasement tactics'.
The president of the state unit of BJP, B.Y. Vijayendra, stated that the party will initiate ongoing protests to pressure the government into retracting its decisions.
In a press briefing at the BJP state office 'Jagannath Bhavan' in Bengaluru, he announced that a night-long protest will take place at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on April 2, commencing at 11 a.m., to protest against the Congress government's 'price hikes'.
“All BJP MLAs, MLCs, former legislators, former council members, candidates from the last Assembly elections, state office bearers, district presidents, and party workers will take part in this overnight protest. Furthermore, on the same day, BJP members will hold a demonstration in front of the statue of Kengal Hanumanthaiah, denouncing the suspension of eight BJP MLAs,” Vijayendra stated.
On April 5, BJP workers will mobilize in all district headquarters, taluks, and mandals statewide, he announced.
The BJP will commence a statewide awareness initiative against the Congress government dubbed the 'Janakrosha Yatra' starting April 7.
This campaign will be launched in Mysuru city at 3 p.m. by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. Discussions have been held with Union Ministers of State V. Somanna and Shobha Karandlaje concerning this yatra.
On April 7, the yatra will traverse Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts, proceeding to Mandya in the morning and Hassan in the afternoon on April 8.
On April 9, protests will be organized in Kodagu and Mangaluru, while on April 10, Udupi and Chikkamagaluru will witness the initial phase of protests.
The second phase of protests will commence on April 13 in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts. Vijayendra noted that the yatra will cover all districts in the state, featuring 2-3 km long foot marches and public meetings in every major city, with participation from senior BJP leaders.
Critiquing the Karnataka state budget, Vijayendra claimed that the Congress administration has not only favored minorities, particularly Muslims, but has also disrespected Hindus.
He highlighted that the government has allocated a 4 percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, which he argues is unconstitutional. Additionally, funding for Muslim students studying abroad has been raised from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.
He also condemned the government's budget for enhancing funds for the security of Muslim women and increasing salaries for Imams.
“Why are such initiatives being introduced solely for Muslims? Prime Minister Narendra Modi's projects like Jan Dhan Yojana are for all communities, not just one. Former CM Yediyurappa initiated the Bhagyalakshmi scheme for everyone, not just Hindus,” he remarked.
Vijayendra also accused CM Siddaramaiah of neglecting the Haalumatha and Kayaka communities.
He alleged that the Congress government has misallocated funds designated for the Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Vijayendra claimed that out of the Rs 38,860 crore allocated for the Special Component Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) development, Rs 11,144 crore was misused in 2023-24; Rs 14,282 crore in 2024-25, and Rs 13,433 crore in 2025-26.
He charged that the Congress exploits Dalits and backward communities for electoral gain while failing to ensure their welfare.
He vowed that the BJP would combat these injustices.
Vijayendra further criticized the Congress government for its inability to curb rising prices since taking office.
He held the Siddaramaiah administration responsible for escalating prices of petrol, diesel, stamp duties, milk, and metro fares, causing significant strain on the public. He alleged that Karnataka has become one of the most expensive states to live in due to the Congress government's mismanagement.
Vijayendra concluded by asserting that the BJP will persist in opposing the Congress government's purported mismanagement and policies detrimental to the public through various protests and campaigns.
