BJP Padayatra Will End Congress Rule In Karnataka, Says BY Vijayendra

The BJP’s ongoing padayatra from Lingasugur has become a major political platform for the party to target the Karnataka government. BJP state president BY Vijayendra described the campaign as more than a party programme, calling it a movement against what he alleged was poor governance and corruption.

Vijayendra said the party decided to take the issue to the streets because of what he described as growing dissatisfaction among people. Responding to questions about why the BJP was conducting the padayatra, he asked Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to look at the performance of the Congress government before questioning the opposition’s campaign.

According to Vijayendra, the BJP’s agitation will continue until the government addresses concerns involving farmers, Dalits, young people, women and economically weaker sections. He claimed that the party’s objective was to raise issues affecting ordinary citizens rather than limit the campaign to political speeches.

He also referred to the controversy surrounding the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation. Vijayendra alleged that around Rs 187 crore meant for the welfare of the Dalit community had been misused and demanded clear answers from the government. He also questioned allegations concerning the diversion of funds allocated under SCP and TSP programmes.

The BJP leader claimed that the party’s protests over the issue had contributed to the resignation of former minister B Nagendra. He described the resignation as an initial success for the opposition campaign and recalled the overnight protests organised outside district commissioner offices across Karnataka.

Vijayendra also criticised the government over issues involving Dalit welfare. Referring to the resignation of former minister KN Rajanna following his comments about alleged voting irregularities, he questioned the Congress government’s commitment to social justice.

He argued that merely speaking about the welfare of Dalits was not enough and said governments must ensure that funds, rights and welfare programmes actually reach the intended beneficiaries.

Farmers were another major focus of Vijayendra’s criticism. He claimed that drought conditions had affected a large part of Karnataka and questioned the government’s assessment of drought affected areas. He also alleged that thousands of farming families were facing serious financial difficulties and said the government needed to respond more effectively.

The BJP leader compared the current situation with the flood relief measures announced during BS Yediyurappa’s tenure as chief minister. He claimed that families who lost their homes during major floods had received substantial compensation under the previous BJP government, while accusing the present administration of failing to provide adequate relief.

Employment and recruitment also featured prominently in his speech. Vijayendra raised allegations surrounding the Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment process and demanded action against anyone found responsible for irregularities.

He said a large number of government positions remain vacant while young people continue to wait for employment opportunities. The BJP leader urged the government to fill the vacant posts and take strict action if recruitment irregularities are established.

Vijayendra further warned the Congress government not to underestimate the BJP padayatra. He claimed that the agitation could intensify in the coming days and suggested that another senior minister could eventually be forced to resign.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, Vijayendra made a political prediction that the National Democratic Alliance would return to power in the state. He described this as what he called the BJP’s sixth guarantee after the Congress government’s five guarantees.

The BJP leader said the Lingasugur padayatra would continue to highlight issues raised by farmers, Dalits, women, young people and poorer sections of society. He maintained that the party would keep up its campaign against the Congress government and seek a political change in Karnataka.