2 hrs ago
Karnataka BJP Challenges Denial of Ballari Rally Permission
The Bharatiya Janata Party is holding a march called ‘Ballari Chalo’ in Karnataka.
The march is meant to protest what the party calls corruption and failures by the Congress government.
The BJP wanted to finish the march with a large meeting in Ballari on September 10.
Officials refused permission to use a government college ground.
They said rules do not allow those grounds to be used for such events.
BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra said the officials may be facing pressure from the state government.
He said people should be allowed to hold a peaceful protest.
The final decision belongs to Ballari’s Deputy Commissioner.
The Karnataka government denied the BJP permission to hold a concluding convention in Ballari on September 10.
The Bharatiya Janata Party requested the Government Ex-Municipal School ground for an event expected to draw about 50,000 people.
The denial cited rules barring government pre-university college grounds or buildings from hosting public or private events.
B.Y. Vijayendra alleged the district administration was under pressure from the Congress government and urged permission for the rally.
The 10-day ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra, launched on September 1, is protesting alleged corruption and failures of the Karnataka government.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party, led in Karnataka by B.Y. Vijayendra, and the Karnataka government are involved.
- What
- Permission was denied for the BJP’s proposed concluding convention for its ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra.
- Where
- The proposed convention would have been held at the Government Ex-Municipal School ground in Ballari city, Karnataka.
- When
- The convention was planned for September 10, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; the march began on September 1.
- Why
- Officials cited rules barring government pre-university college grounds or buildings from hosting public or private events; the BJP says the decision may reflect government pressure.
BJP’s Position
Government Officials’ Position
Reason for the denial
BJP’s Position
B.Y. Vijayendra alleged that the district administration was hesitant to grant permission because of pressure from the state government.
Government Officials’ Position
The Ballari and Vijayanagara district education authority cited guidelines barring government pre-university college grounds or buildings from hosting public or private events.
Right to hold the event
BJP’s Position
The BJP said it had conducted the padayatra peacefully and that people in a democracy should be allowed to stage a protest.
Government Officials’ Position
The order stated that permission could not be granted for the large convention at the Government Ex-Municipal College ground and warned that principals could face strict action if guidelines were not followed.
Authority to decide
BJP’s Position
Vijayendra urged the Deputy Commissioner to permit the convention and not sideline the BJP’s protest.
Government Officials’ Position
Vijayendra acknowledged that granting permission ultimately rests with the Deputy Commissioner, who is to decide the matter.
Key facts
- Event
- Concluding convention of the ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra
- Planned date and time
- September 10, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Proposed venue
- Government Ex-Municipal School ground, Ballari city
- Expected attendance
- About 50,000 people
- March duration
- 10 days, beginning September 1
- Official reason for denial
- Rules prohibit using government pre-university college grounds or buildings for public and private events
- BJP’s stated purpose
- Protesting alleged corruption and failures of the Congress government in Karnataka
Quotes
B.Y. Vijayendra
Karnataka BJP state president
“The Deputy Commissioner should give permission. We are in a democratic system, and everyone has the right to stage a protest. He should not come under pressure from the government. They should not try to sideline our protest.”
thehansindia.com
“We have submitted a request to the Deputy Commissioner. It appears that the Deputy Commissioner is under pressure from the state government. I have heard that he is hesitant to grant permission. I will also speak to him.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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