Shivamogga: KPCC president BK Hariprasad on Wednesday accused the BJP of changing the political and social character of Shivamogga and called for a renewed focus on social justice, constitutional values and communal harmony.
Addressing a Janata Jodo Jagruthi Yatra rally in Shikaripura, Hariprasad said the large gathering in the Assembly constituency represented by BJP state president BY Vijayendra reflected public support for the Congress.
Recalling Shivamogga’s history of social and political movements, Hariprasad said the district had produced leaders and thinkers including former chief minister S Bangarappa, poet Kuvempu, farmer leader Shantaveri Gopala Gowda, Kadidal Manjappa and JH Patel. He also referred to the historic Kagodu peasant movement and the role of Isuru during the Quit India Movement.
Hariprasad questioned BJP leaders’ claims on development and alleged irregularities linked to educational institutions, lakes and irrigation projects in Shikaripura. He also targeted former chief minister BS Yediyurappa and his son Vijayendra, questioning the BJP’s credibility in raising corruption-related issues.
Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Hariprasad said it had conveyed a message of peace, harmony and unity against what he described as an atmosphere of hatred and division.
He said the next phase of the Janata Jodo Jagruthi Yatra, beginning from Shikaripura, would cover 84 Assembly constituencies, particularly those where the Congress was defeated in the 2023 elections.
Hariprasad also raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka and urged party workers to ensure that eligible voters were not left out. Officially reported figures show that about 1.08 crore of Karnataka’s 5.54 crore electors were placed in the ASDDO category, while around 43.8 lakh voters were to receive notices over discrepancies.
Calling for protection of the Constitution, democracy, secularism and social justice, Hariprasad said political discourse should focus more on jobs, farmers, workers, students and women’s safety rather than issues that divide society.
He said the message of Kuvempu’s Vishwamanava philosophy should guide efforts to counter social divisions and promote fraternity and scientific temper.
