BJP Faces Questions Over Ballari Padayatra As Kumaraswamy Raises Objections

The proposed Ballari padayatra has created fresh discussion within the Karnataka BJP, with some senior leaders questioning whether the march is still necessary after B Nagendra stepped down from the ministerial post.

The BJP had originally announced the padayatra as part of its pressure campaign demanding Nagendra’s resignation over the Valmiki Corporation money case. Nagendra eventually resigned before the planned march could begin, leading some leaders to argue that the main demand behind the protest had already been met.

Despite those concerns, BJP state president BY Vijayendra has decided to continue with preparations. He has maintained that the proposed march is not limited to the Nagendra issue and will focus on several other matters concerning Karnataka.

Vijayendra said the padayatra is scheduled to begin on September 1 and will conclude in Ballari on September 10. He said drought related concerns and the development of North Karnataka will be among the issues raised during the programme.

The BJP leader also reiterated that the party wants the money involved in the Valmiki Corporation controversy to be completely recovered. According to him, the march has a wider political purpose and should not be viewed only through the issue of the former minister.

The decision has reportedly caused some disagreement within the party. Questions were raised over continuing with a protest that was initially announced with Nagendra’s resignation as a major demand. Vijayendra acknowledged that there had been doubts among party leaders and said the matter had been discussed with the BJP leadership.

He also indicated that he would speak with Union minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy about the issue. The BJP and JD(S) are political allies in Karnataka, making Kumaraswamy’s reaction significant for the alliance.

Kumaraswamy, however, has openly questioned the need for the Ballari padayatra. He said Nagendra had already resigned and that he was unclear about the issue on which the BJP intended to conduct the march.

The Union minister also said that BJP leaders had not discussed the padayatra with him. He made it clear that he would not be present during the programme, explaining that he was expected to return only on September 12.

Kumaraswamy said he had instead asked leaders from his party to attend symbolically. His comments have added another layer to the discussion surrounding the BJP’s decision to proceed with the march.

For the BJP leadership, the padayatra now provides an opportunity to raise broader issues beyond the Valmiki Corporation controversy. The party is expected to use the programme to highlight concerns relating to drought, regional development and other matters involving the state government.

The timing of the march is therefore being closely watched within Karnataka politics. While some party members believe the protest should continue to maintain pressure on the government, others feel its original purpose has already been achieved with Nagendra’s resignation.

The disagreement also highlights the challenges faced by the BJP and its ally JD(S) in maintaining a coordinated approach on major political programmes. Vijayendra’s planned discussion with Kumaraswamy could determine how the alliance approaches the issue in the coming days.

With the Ballari programme scheduled to begin on September 1, attention will now be on whether the BJP succeeds in presenting a united front and how prominently the Valmiki Corporation controversy features during the padayatra.