Karnataka - Mysore   

AIPJD activists stage protest at venue of bicycle distribution

Staff Correspondent

Leaders allege that their names were deleted from the invitation

PROTEST: AIPJD activists being taken into custody from the venue of launch of the scheme to distribute bicycles to schoolgirls, in Devalapura on Friday. — Photo: PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

MYSORE: Tension prevailed in Devalapura village, near here, on Friday following a protest by All India Progressive Janata Dal (AIPJD) at the the launch of the scheme to distribute bicycles to schoolgirls in Mysore district. Nearly 60 persons, including Mysore Zilla Panchayat vice-president K. Marigowda, were arrested.

The incident is reportedly an outcome of a tiff between Janata Dal (Secular) and AIPJD. AIPJD leaders were protesting against alleged deletion of their names from the invitation for the function.

Protesters barged into the compound of the Government High School, the venue of the function to distribute bicycles to girls studying in eighth standard in Mysore district. They prevented erection of the "shamiana" even as Janata Dal (Secular) members objected to the move.

Officials intervene

Senior officials of the Education department, including Deputy Director of Public Instructions Kemparaju, tried to pacify Mr. Marigowda and AHINDA youth leader Appanna. Mr. Marigowda alleged that the first invitation carried his name, but the second one printed at the behest of district-in-charge Minister D.T. Jayakumar did not include him. He alleged that this was done deliberately at the behest of Mr. Jayakumar and that it was violation of protocol. "The district-in-charge Minister is doing it deliberately to restrain the supporters of the former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah," Mr. Marigowda said.

Villagers join protest

Tension prevailed in Devalapura village following an altercation between AIPJD and Janata Dal (Secular) workers. A few villagers too joined the protest.

The police arrested AIPJD activists following their refusal to withdraw the protest. Later, Mr. Jayakumar arrived in Devalapura and launched the distribution of free bicycles to girl students in the district.

95 bicycles distributed

The district administration distributed 95 bicycles in Devalapura.

In Mysore, 12,207 students studying in eighth standard have been identified as beneficiaries of the scheme.

Although the distribution should have commenced on August 18 to coincide with the State-wide launch, but confusion over the district-in-charge Minister's status hindered it.

Girls hailing from below poverty line families will benefit from the programme.

Atlas Cycles will be providing bicycles to students in Mysore division.

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