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JD(S) to launch ‘Vishala Yatra’ on November 1

BANGALORE: To counter the “Dharma Yatra” campaign by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Janata Dal (Secular) has decided to launch a “Vishala Yatra”, a 1,000-km “padayatra”, on November 1.

The “yatra” will start from Basavakalyan in Bidar district and end at the Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar district after covering several areas of the State.

Senior party leaders, including former Chief Minister H.D. Kumarswamy, will take part in the “yatra”. Party president H.D. Deve Gowda will address rallies and public meetings.

President of the State unit of Janata Dal (S) Merajuddin Patel told presspersons here on Thursday that the party would explain its role in the recent political development that led to the President’s rule in the State and show that it was the BJP that was responsible for it.

The Janata Dal (S) wanted to impose certain pro-people conditions before transferring power in the interests of the minorities and the downtrodden. But the “power hungry” BJP was impatient to hold talks, he said.

He pointed out that BJP General Secretary Ananth Kumar had announced that his party would convert the Bababudangiri shrine into Datta Peetha if voted to power.

He alleged that in the name of “Dharma Yatra”, the BJP leaders had been spreading canards against the Janata Dal (S) and misinterpreting the facts associated with transfer of power.

“It is not a Dharma Yatra, but a mere fight for the seat of power by the BJP,” Mr. Patel said.

On the reported talks between some of the Janata Dal (S) and Congress MLAs on the formation of a government again, Mr. Patel said that his party was in favour of dissolution of the Assembly and holding elections. The party would clarify its stand on the matter on October 22, he added.

A large number of volunteers from other political parties had expressed their desire to join the Janata Dal (S) as they were convinced that Mr. Kumaraswamy had done his best for the welfare of the minorities and the poor.

He welcomed 30 BJP and 15 Congress volunteers and their supporters from the Uttarahalli Assembly constituency to the Janata Dal (S) on the occasion.

He welcomed Governor Rameshwar Thakur’s comments on the Datta Peetha issue. Meanwhile, Mr. Kumaraswamy and senior leaders of the Janata Dal (S) met Mr. Deve Gowda on Thursday and briefed him about the views of party MLAs.

They told him that elections were preferable to forming another coalition government. Mr. Kumaraswamy urged Mr. Deve Gowda to announce the decision of the party on the issue soon.

Mr. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by M.P. Prakash, N. Cheluvarayaswamy, Balakrishna and Santhosh Lad.

Mr. Kumaraswamy told presspersons that the Janata Dal (S) would announce its decision after Vijayadashami (October 21).

It is learnt that he feels that a new coalition arrangement will affect the party’s image. The former Chief Minister has urged Mr. Deve Gowda to prepare a constituency-wise plan for the party’s poll preparations.

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