Karnataka BJP Alleges Govt Pressure After Ballari Rally Permission Denied

(MENAFN- IANS) Ballari (Karnataka), Sep 8 (IANS) The Karnataka government has denied permission to the BJP to hold its proposed mega convention in Ballari on September 10 to mark the culmination of the party's 10-day 'Ballari Chalo' padayatra, prompting BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra to allege that the district administration was acting under pressure from the Congress government.

The BJP had sought permission to use the Government Ex-Municipal School ground in Ballari city for the concluding convention, which the party plans to hold from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on September 10. The party is aiming to mobilise around 50,000 people for the event.

The 'Ballari Chalo' padayatra entered its eighth day on Tuesday, with the march scheduled to commence from Haledaroji and reach Kuditini in Ballari district by Tuesday evening.

The denial of permission has triggered a political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress government, with Vijayendra questioning the grounds on which the authorities refused permission for the concluding event.

In an order, the Deputy Director of the School Education Department (Pre-University) for Ballari and Vijayanagara districts stated that government pre-university college grounds or buildings should not be used for private or public events, exhibitions, sales, entertainment programmes, or similar activities.

The order further stated that if the guidelines were not followed, the concerned principal would be held responsible and strict action would be initiated. It specifically said permission could not be granted for holding a large convention at the Government Ex-Municipal College ground in Ballari on September 10.

Reacting to the decision on Tuesday, Vijayendra said the BJP had already submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner. He alleged that the district administration was hesitant to grant permission because of pressure from the state government.

“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,” Vijayendra said.

He said the BJP had been conducting the padayatra peacefully and that people across Karnataka and the country were witnessing the protest.“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,” he said.

Vijayendra, however, acknowledged that granting permission was ultimately the prerogative of the Deputy Commissioner.“I agree that it is the prerogative of the Deputy Commissioner to take a decision. Ultimately, we are conducting this protest march for the sake of the people, and they should permit it,” he said.

When asked whether the State government was deliberately targeting the BJP by denying electricity and permission to use the ground for the concluding convention, Vijayendra said he would seek clarification from the Deputy Commissioner.

“Why will permission not be given? I will see. I will speak to the Deputy Commissioner. On what grounds are they denying permission? I will find out,” he said.

The BJP launched the 'Ballari Chalo' padayatra on September 1 to protest what it has described as corruption and failures of the Congress government in Karnataka. The 10-day march is scheduled to culminate in Ballari on September 10 with the proposed convention.

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