Congress: Padayatra will go on

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: The Congress on Wednesday decided to go ahead with its padayatra from Mekedatu to Bengaluru, demanding implementation of the Mekedatu project across the Cauvery river(which is being opposed by Tamil Nadu) despite the government’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Describing the containment measures as a “conspiracy” to “scuttle” their padayatra, state Congress president DK Shivakumar and Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah said they will abide by the Covid guidelines.The Congress’ march from Mekedatu to Bengaluru, covering a distance of over 100 kilometres, is scheduled from January 9 to 19.

“At the meeting of senior leaders, it was discussed in detail and the consensus is that we should go ahead with the padayatra demanding implementation of the project,” Siddaramaiah said.

CM Basavaraj Bommai dismissed the Congress allegation saying, “Covid does not distinguish between parties. There is a law for the implementation of Covid guidelines and it is applicable to all.’’