Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra has questioned the state government’s priorities, alleging that its recent decisions indicate a conflict between development goals and real estate interests.
Vijayendra pointed to the government’s campaign to plant one crore saplings, while alleging that proposals involving the use of public park land could undermine Bengaluru’s green spaces.
He demanded clarity on whether the government’s priority was projects such as Bidadi township, Kanakapura airport and the NICE project, or addressing farmers’ distress, unemployment among youth and the problems faced by the poor.
Vijayendra said around 2.5 lakh government posts were vacant in Karnataka and accused the government of failing to accelerate recruitment. He also sought clarity on reservation policies, including OBC reservation, and demanded employment opportunities for young people.
He urged the government to focus on farmers affected by drought, particularly in North Karnataka, and expedite irrigation projects. Proper implementation of housing schemes for the poor and social security measures, including old-age pensions, should also be prioritised, he said.
Vijayendra announced a 190-200 km padayatra from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 to 10 to highlight alleged failures of the Congress government, corruption, farmers’ and youth issues, reservation and the development needs of North Karnataka.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi will flag off the march on September 1, while senior central leaders are expected to participate in the concluding programme. JD(S) leaders will also take part in the inauguration and concluding events, Vijayendra said.
He said the padayatra would seek to highlight what the BJP described as the government’s “anti-people, anti-farmer and anti-development” policies and build pressure for the removal of ministers facing corruption allegations.