Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Karnataka BJP Padayatra Draws Sharp Response From Deputy CM
Karnataka’s BJP opposition party plans to hold a 10-day march.
The march will travel from Lingasugur to Ballari.
BJP leaders say they want to discuss drought, empty government jobs and a former minister’s resignation.
They also say the Congress government did not carry out promised reservation changes for some communities.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the BJP has the right to march.
However, he said the party should discuss its accusations inside the state Assembly.
He accused the BJP of confusing people without properly understanding the issues.
The march is scheduled to begin on September 1 and end on September 10.
The Karnataka BJP plans a padyatra from Lingasugur to Ballari from September 1 to 10.
BJP president B Y Vijayendra said the march will highlight governance, development and public concerns.
The BJP cited B Nagendra’s resignation, drought and about 2.5 lakh government vacancies.
Vijayendra accused the Congress government of not implementing increased SC and ST reservations announced by the previous BJP government.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the BJP could march but should raise allegations of government failure in the Assembly.
- Who
- The Karnataka BJP, led on this issue by B Y Vijayendra, and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara.
- What
- The BJP announced a padyatra, while Parameshwara criticized its decision to raise government-failure allegations through a street march.
- When
- The padyatra is scheduled for September 1 through September 10; Parameshwara made his remarks on Sunday.
- Where
- The march will run from Lingasugur in Raichur district to Ballari, Karnataka.
- Why
- The BJP says it will highlight B Nagendra’s resignation, drought, government vacancies, reservation implementation and broader governance concerns.
Congress Government Response
BJP Opposition Claims
Purpose of the padyatra
Congress Government Response
G Parameshwara said the BJP has the right to march but should present allegations of government failure in the Assembly rather than on the streets.
BJP Opposition Claims
The BJP said the march is intended to discuss governance, development and issues affecting Karnataka’s people.
Government performance
Congress Government Response
Parameshwara questioned the BJP’s allegations and accused it of throwing dust into people’s eyes without properly understanding the issues.
BJP Opposition Claims
The BJP cited drought, around 2.5 lakh vacancies and alleged nonimplementation of increased Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservations.
B Nagendra’s resignation
Congress Government Response
Nagendra’s resignation was accepted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recommendation.
BJP Opposition Claims
The BJP said Nagendra’s resignation was among the issues motivating the march, and opposition leader R Ashoka called it a victory for the Dalit community after pressure from the BJP-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance.
- March dates
- September 1 to September 10
- Route
- Lingasugur in Raichur district to Ballari
- Government vacancies
- The BJP cited about 2.5 lakh unfilled posts.
- Former minister
- B Nagendra resigned as Planning Minister.
- Resignation context
- Nagendra resigned amid BJP pressure over allegations linked to the Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation scam.
- Parameshwara’s response
- He said the BJP could hold the march but should raise alleged government failures in the Assembly.
- Reservation allegation
- B Y Vijayendra alleged that increased Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservations announced by the previous BJP government were not implemented.