Leaders of the Congress including KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad and Ministers came down heavily on the BJP, particularly former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his son B.Y. Vijayendra in a public meeting organised at Shikaripur to mark the launch of the Bharat Jodo 2.0 yatra, on Wednesday. They also accused the BJP of fermenting communal hatred and deleting eligible voters through the Election Commission.

Mr. Hariprasad said that the people had given a fitting reply in the constituency repressed by BJP’s State president B.Y. Vijayendra. Recalling that Shivamogga district had given stalwarts in politics and literature. However, the image of the district changed with the BJP gaining support in the district. He accused that leaders from Shikaripur damaged the State’s dignity by carrying out Operation Lotus. 

Referring to Vijayendra’s comments on corruption during the padayatra, Mr. Hariprasad said the people who sent their father to jail after taking bribe were lecturing on corruption. He alleged that BJP leaders in the district were engaged in acquiring properties and constructing colleges.

Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP was removing the eligible voters through the SIR being conducted by the Election Commission. So far 13.3 crore names had been deleted in the country and that included more than 1 crore names from the State. “Among those names deleted include minorities, Dalits and women. It is because the Congress is the only hope for the downtrodden people of the State,” he said.

Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa alleged that the BJP leaders from Shikaripur had been known for corruption and they had no moral right to comment on the State Government. He alleged that the BJP was trying to rule by dividing people. The people of Shikaripur should not allow it to happen, he appealed. He also commented that the bagair-hukum cultivator had not got the land as there had been no meetings of the committee.

Minister for Sugar and Textiles Rudrappa Lamani, Minister for Muzrai, Fisheries and Ports K.S. Basavanthappa, legislators Manjunath Bhandari, B.K. Sangameshwara, Balkhees Banu, Belur Gopal Krishna, D.G. Shanthana Gowda, former Minister Vinay Kumar Strake, AICC secretary Gopinath Palaniyappan, District Congress Committee president were present.