BENGALURU: While Congress on Wednesday postponed all political rallies and programmes in poll-bound states, including Uttar Pradesh, citing the worsening Covid-19 situation, it decided to go ahead with the padayatra in Karnataka to press for early implementation of the Mekedatu drinking water project. This, despite chief minister Basavaraj Bommai warning of stringent action.
“Nobody can stop the sun from shining and water from flowing. Let the government do whatever it wants. We will go ahead with the padayatra by adhering to all Covid guidelines,” KPCC president DK Shivakumar and opposition leader Siddaramaiah said.
The Karnataka Congress plans to launch the 160-km, 10-day padayatra from Mekedatu to Bengaluru on January 9. It plans to start from Sangama near Mekedatu, which falls under Shivakumar’s Kanakapura constituency, and culminate in a rally at Bengaluru.
Initially, Congress was expected to defer the event after the government enforced weekend curfew for two weeks and banned all political events. Earlier in the day, there were reports the padayatra would be postponed after AICC put off all political programmes in five election-bound states since these events may draw thousands and could emerge as super-spreaders.
Shivakumar claimed the new restrictions were imposed only to stop the padayatra. “They have increased the Covid-positive numbers and imposed curbs. This has been done with the sole intention of stopping our march,” he said. Siddaramaiah said the party will ensure all participants wear masks and maintain social distancing. “We have run governments at the Centre and in states. We’re aware of our responsibilities and have no intention to violate curbs,” he said.
He accused the state government of trying to stop the padayatra for fear of being exposed. “It's been two and a half years since BJP came to power but no effort has been made to implement the project. None of the 25 BJP MPs ever tried to put pressure on the Centre,” he claimed.
Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai warned Congress leaders the government would take suitable action if the latter continued with their padayatra. “The government has imposed curbs considering the rapid spread of Covid cases. If anybody violates them, the law will take its own course,” Bommai said.
Health minister K Sudhakar said Congress will be held responsible if Covid cases increase during the padayatra. “Who will take responsibility if Congress workers contract the virus?” he said. RDPR minister KS Eshwarappa urged Congress leaders to postpone the padayatra. “I’m with you in your demand for early implementation of the project,” he said.
