Ballari (Karnataka): Authorities have denied the BJP permission to hold a September 10 public meeting at the Government Pre-University College ground here to mark the conclusion of its 10-day padayatra (foot march) again…

Ballari (Karnataka): Authorities have denied the BJP permission to hold a September 10 public meeting at the Government Pre-University College ground here to mark the conclusion of its 10-day padayatra (foot march) against the alleged corruption and failures of the Congress government.The state BJP on Tuesday alleged that district authorities were under pressure from the Congress government to deny permission.Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra demands farm loan waiver up to Rs 5 lakhAuthorities cited a 2015 government order stating that the grounds and buildings of Government Pre-University Colleges cannot be provided to private organisations or associations for public or private functions, exhibitions, sales stalls, entertainment programmes and other such events.The BJP’s ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra, which began at Lingasugur in Raichur district on September 1, is scheduled to conclude in Ballari on September 10. Led by BJP State President B Y Vijayendra, several party leaders, MLAs, MLCs, state office-bearers, district presidents and party workers are taking part in the march.In a communication dated September 7 to Ballari district BJP president Anil Kumar Moka, the Deputy Director of the School Education Department (Pre-University) for Ballari and Vijayanagara districts cited the 2015 order and said strict instructions had been issued against allowing the grounds and buildings of Government Pre-University Colleges to be used for such events.The communication said the principal of the concerned college would be held responsible and disciplinary action would be initiated in case of non-compliance.”In view of the above, permission cannot be granted to conduct the proposed large public meeting scheduled for September 10 at the Government Pre-University College ground, Ballari. Therefore, your request cannot be considered,” it said.The BJP had sought permission to hold the meeting at the ground from 3 pm to 8 pm on September 10 and informed the authorities that more than 50,000 people and dignitaries were expected to attend.Reacting to the development, Vijayendra alleged that the Ballari deputy commissioner was under pressure from the Congress government in the state.Speaking to reporters near Sandur on Tuesday, he said he had received information that authorities were delaying permission for the concluding event of the padayatra in Ballari.”I will speak to the authorities concerned. People across the state and the country are watching this padayatra, which is being conducted peacefully,” he said.First Nagendra, now Parks Bill rollback: Karnataka BJP claims ‘2 wins in 5 days’, predicts Congress govt’s exit in 2028The BJP chief said the deputy commissioner should grant permission without yielding to pressure from the government.”We are in a democratic system, and everyone has the right to protest. This is a people-oriented movement,” he said.Responding to reporters’ questions, he said, “Why won’t they grant permission? I will also see. They will have to grant it.”

Source: Deccan Herald