CHELLAGURKI (BELLARY DIST.): The Bharatiya Janata Party, on Sunday, kicked off its campaign for the zilla and taluk panchayat elections by launching the Swarana Sandesh Janajagruti Yatra.

G. Karunakar Reddy, MP, blew the "panchajanya" (conch) to mark the beginning of the yatra here, which is a pilgrim centre on the State border, amidst a modest gathering of the party supporters drawn from Moka, Korlagundi, Bellary and surrounding places.

A specially decorated van symbolising the "ratha" (chariot) will be used by Mr. Reddy, B. Sriramulu, Bellary MLA, and other leaders for the campaign.

The BJP has brought out cassettes with songs highlighting the failures of the coalition Government.

The party leaders will cover almost all villages in each of the 36 constituencies of the zilla panchayat and conclude the yatra on December 15.

Janardhan Reddy, president of the BJP's district unit, while addressing party workers, said that the BJP can create history in the district with the support of the people. He said that after taking over the reigns of the administration of Bellary City Municipality, the BJP wrested the MP seat, which was held by Congress, besides winning three Assembly seats.

He claimed that the party is doing its best to take up development works in the district.

He assured that his party, if voted to power, will try to mobilise around Rs. 100 crores and utilise the same for the overall development of the district. Stress will be on rural development.

Mr. Karunakar Reddy said that his efforts to get funds for the development of roads, which are in poor condition, and other works have been in vain owing to the lukewarm response of the United Progressive Alliance Government. He said he had taken up a few development works utilising the MP's Area Development Grant. "If the administrative control is given to the BJP, we will strive hard to make Bellary a model district," he said.

Mr. Sriramulu said that BJP is committed to developing the district and solving the peoples' problems.

Bellary Mayor G. Somashekar Reddy said that the BJP MP had given priority to construct toilets and provide drinking water in rural areas.

He urged the people to strengthen the hands of the party by voting for the party candidates in the zilla and taluk panchayat elections.

Somalingappa, Sirguppa MLA; Shivaram Reddy, former MLA; G. Umesh, former president the zilla panchayat; and S.J. Venkat Mahipal, spoke.

For the election campaign, the party has arranged 36 jeeps and artiste troupes to go round in each of the 36 zilla panchayat constituencies.

Anil Lad, Kudligi MLA, was conspicuous by his absence.

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