3 hrs ago
BJP Ballari Meeting Denied Permission Over College Ground
The BJP wanted to hold a large meeting in Ballari on September 10.
The meeting was meant to mark the end of the party’s march from Raichur to Ballari.
Officials refused permission to use the Government PU College ground.
They said a 2015 rule does not allow such college grounds to be used for public events by private organisations.
The BJP says similar events were held at the same ground in the past.
It specifically referred to Rahul Gandhi’s 2022 march and other programmes.
BJP leader P. Rajeev said this showed the rule might be being used selectively.
The party plans to approach the Ballari Deputy Commissioner.
He warned that the event could become a protest if permission is not granted.
The Department of School Education (Pre-University) denied the BJP permission to use the Government PU College ground in Ballari on September 10.
Officials cited a 2015 order barring government PU college premises from being used for public or private functions by private organisations.
The proposed meeting was planned as the concluding event of the BJP’s Ballari Chalo Padayatra from Raichur to Ballari.
The BJP said more than 50,000 people and several dignitaries were expected at the meeting, scheduled from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
BJP leader P. Rajeev accused the government of selectively applying the order and said the event could become a protest if permission remained denied.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Department of School Education (Pre-University), with BJP leader P. Rajeev commenting on the decision.
- What
- Permission was denied for a BJP mega public meeting at the Government PU College ground.
- Where
- The Government PU College ground in Ballari, during the BJP’s march from Raichur to Ballari.
- When
- The proposed meeting was scheduled for September 10, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; the cited prohibition dates to a 2015 government order.
- Why
- Officials cited the 2015 order prohibiting government PU college premises from being used for such programmes, while the BJP alleged selective enforcement.
Government Officials’ Position
BJP’s Position
Use of the college ground
Government Officials’ Position
Permission could not be granted because the 2015 order prohibits government PU college grounds and buildings from being used for public or private functions, exhibitions, sales stalls, entertainment programmes and similar events.
BJP’s Position
The BJP argues that the order is being applied selectively because Rahul Gandhi’s 2022 padayatra and earlier Sadhana Samavesha programmes were reportedly held at the same ground.
Meaning of the decision
Government Officials’ Position
The department said it was following an existing government order and noted that college principals could face disciplinary action for violations.
BJP’s Position
BJP leader P. Rajeev called the decision an oppressive policy aimed at a government afraid of the party’s padayatra.
What happens next
Government Officials’ Position
The department’s letter stated that the request could not be considered under the existing order.
BJP’s Position
The BJP said it would approach the Ballari Deputy Commissioner and warned that the valedictory event could become a protest across Ballari if permission was not granted.
Key facts
- Proposed event
- A BJP mega public meeting marking the conclusion of the Ballari Chalo Padayatra
- Date and time
- September 10, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Venue requested
- Government PU College ground, Ballari
- Expected attendance
- More than 50,000 people, along with several dignitaries
- Reason for denial
- A 2015 order bars government PU college grounds and buildings from being used for public or private functions by private organisations
- BJP response
- The party questioned why previous programmes, including Rahul Gandhi’s 2022 padayatra event, had been allowed at the ground
- Possible next step
- The BJP said it would try to persuade the Ballari Deputy Commissioner
Quotes
P. Rajeev
BJP state general secretary and former MLA
“This is an oppressive policy of a government that is scared of our padayatra. They are now citing a 2015 order and saying that a programme cannot be held on a government PU college ground. But in 2022, during Rahul Gandhi’s padayatra, a programme was held here.”
deccanchronicle.com
“If the order did not come in their way then, why is it being cited now? We will try to convince the Deputy Commissioner of Ballari. If permission is not given, the valedictory programme will turn into a protest across Ballari.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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