Bantwal: Ashoka reacts to JD(S) withdrawing support to Mysuru Chalo padayatra

Bantwal: BJP leader and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka reacted to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s statement about JD(S) retracting support to the Mysuru Chalo Padayatra, scheduled to begin on August 3.

R. Ashoka also criticized the current government during his visit to flood-affected areas in Bantwal.

Ashoka mentioned that he had seen Kumaraswamy’s statement in the media. He added that Kumaraswamy had called and said he would talk again.

JD(S) State President G.T. Devegowda also opposed the padayatra, suggesting it be postponed due to agricultural and rain-related issues.  But, JD(S), being part of the NDA, should join the protest. After discussing this with central leaders and Kumaraswamy, a decision will be reached by tonight, Ashoka said.

“Our fight is against corruption worth thousands of crores. The Chief Minister, who is supposed to protect the Constitution, has looted public money,” he added.

The BJP and JD(S) had jointly announced the 7-day padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru on August 3 to protest against the alleged MUDA and Valmiki scams. However, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has now stated that JD(S) will not support the padayatra.

The rains had caused significant damage, including loss of life. “When I was the Revenue Minister, the government provided equal grants from both state and central governments, as opposed to the current Congress government, which had only opened relief centres,” he said.

Ashoka also criticized the absence of the in-charge minister for Dakshina Kannada for the past 15 days. He remarked, “Their (Congress) high command instructed district ministers to stay with the people, but they are nowhere to be seen. Congress leader Ramanath Rai had once criticized the provision of Rs. 5 lakhs as compensation as insufficient, yet now the Modi government is providing Rs. 1.25 lakhs. What is the state government giving as compensation? Do they have no shame?”

Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik U and former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel were present during Ashoka’s visit.