In a significant escalation of its political offensive, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has announced plans to organise a series of massive public conventions across the state. The move is a direct protest against what the principal opposition party terms as the Congress-led state government's rampant failures, corruption, and administrative collapse.
Four Conventions to Mobilise Public Opinion
Leader of the Opposition in the legislative assembly, R Ashoka, revealed the party's strategy while addressing the media at the BJP office in Mysuru on Sunday. He stated that the BJP has decided to intensify its struggle by mobilising public opinion through these large gatherings. The party will hold major conventions at four strategic locations, with three venues already finalised.
Ashoka launched a sharp critique of the Siddaramaiah administration, alleging a complete failure in governing the state. He emphasised that this has resulted in a sharp deterioration of law and order, creating an atmosphere of insecurity. The BJP leader specifically pointed to the government's inability to curb the widespread drugs network as a major point of contention.
Venues and Agendas Finalised
The first of these major protests will be held in Ballari city on January 17. Ashoka clarified that instead of a planned padayatra (foot march), the party will organise a massive convention to protest the state government's partisan attitude and administrative failure, particularly in light of the recent Ballari shooting incident.
Subsequently, the BJP will hold a major public convention in the cultural capital of Mysuru on January 31. This event will focus on the broader issues of misgovernance and the law & order breakdown in the state.
A third convention is scheduled for Hubballi, where the party will highlight alleged irregularities in the Congress government's flagship Gruha Lakshmi scheme. Consultations are currently underway within the party to finalise the fourth and final venue for this wave of protests.
No Entry for DK Shivakumar, Says Ashoka
In a pointed political remark, R Ashoka also ruled out any possibility of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar joining the BJP. He asserted that the internal power struggles and factionalism within the ruling Congress party would soon surface for the public to see. The press conference in Mysuru was attended by Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar and Krishnaraja MLA TS Srivatsa, signalling a united front from the party's local leadership.
This planned series of conventions marks a strategic shift for the Karnataka BJP, moving towards large-scale public mobilisation to corner the state government on multiple fronts. The party aims to capitalise on public discontent regarding governance, safety, and the implementation of welfare schemes as it builds momentum for a sustained opposition campaign.
