PM roadshow in Vokkaliga heartland confirmed but no decision on venue yet

BJP leaders want a roadshow similar to the one in Belagavi and Hubballi as it is vital for the saffron party

NT Correspodent

Bengaluru: To scale up the chances of the BJP in south Kar nataka districts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning a big ‘roadshow’ in Mandya, the ‘heartland’ of the Vokkaligas on March 12.

The roadshow has been organized as part of the inauguration of the Bengaluru-Mysuru Express Highway which is waiting for the formal opening though major sections have been opened for the movement of vehicles.

Local BJP leaders have requested the PM to hold the roadshow in Mandya instead of Maddur which is being looked into by the Special Protection Group (SPG). Hitherto, Modi’s roadshow was supposed to be held in Maddur for a distance of around 1.5 km but the leaders want it to be held in Mandya for around 4 km to 5 km.

State BJP leaders want a roadshow similar to the recent one in Belagavi and Hubballi as it is vital for the saffron party to make a mark in the Vokkaliga dominant districts of Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagar, and Bengaluru Rural districts, where the fight currently is between Congress and Janata Dal (Secular).

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the PM’s roadshow is confirmed but the place is yet to be fixed. Earlier, it was fixed in Maddur town but the idea was not liked by many as they want it to happen in Mandya City. “We are waiting for approval from the PMO in this regard.’’