No rift between BJP-JDS on Padayatra issue: Nikhil Kumaraswamy

Mysore

There is no rift between the BJP and JDS regarding the Mysore Chalo Padayatra, according to JDS youth unit president Nikhil Kumaraswamy. He stated that the ongoing alliance struggle aims to remove the Congress government. Kumaraswamy spoke after visiting Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundibetta as part of Ashadh Friday.

He explained that the padayatra's purpose is to address the Muda and Valmiki Nigam scams. Despite requests to postpone the walk due to ongoing agricultural activities, it proceeded as BJP leaders advised against postponement. Kumaraswamy criticized Congress for holding alternative conventions to divert public attention.

He highlighted that a significant scam involving ₹789 crore in the Valmiki Corporation was admitted by the Chief Minister in the House. Funds intended for Scheduled Tribes were misused, and the government is responsible, according to Kumaraswamy.

In response to DCM D.K. Shivakumar's comments about HDK's property in Ramanagara, Kumaraswamy clarified that there is no new property apart from land purchased in 1985 near Ketaganahalli, bought with money from movic distribution.

Kumaraswamy noted that the alliance has garnered public support, as seen in the increased seats in the Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized that this support reflects the people's approval of their efforts. Hunsur MLA G.D. Harish Gowda, former MLA Ashwin Kumar, and other leaders participated in the event.