KARNATAKA PADAYATRA POLITICS KICKS UP DUST

HERE is a certain power in a political padayatra—while it may not move mountains, it is known to have dislodged governments.

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It gives a leader the chance to walk the talk, connect with people and mobilise public opinion. In Karnataka, the BJP-JDS alliance is on a seven-day yatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru to create awareness on the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and diversion of funds for SC/ST welfare from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The clear aim is to unseat Siddaramaiah. The Congress is countering the yatra with Janandolana programmes along the same route to explain its position. There is likely to be more mudslinging until Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot makes his n