Karantaka: BJP Leads Janakrosha Yatra in Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi: With Assembly elections still three years away, the BJP has already hit the campaign trail in earnest, signalling an early and aggressive bid to reclaim power in Karnataka.

On Thursday, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra led the Janakrosha Yatra in Kalaburagi—the home turf of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and state minister Priyank Kharge.

In what was a show of strength deep inside Congress territory, Vijayendra rallied party workers, declaring that the next three years would be a “relentless phase of political struggle” for the BJP.

“As State President, I accept the challenge of winning every Assembly seat in this district,” he declared. “Kalaburagi will no longer be a safe zone for the Congress.”

He reassured local workers that they would not be alone in the fight. “No BJP worker in Kalaburagi should feel let down—your Vijayendra is with you.”

“This is not the time to wait for elections,” he told a massive crowd. “Treat every day from now as part of our fight. Be ready for a long battle.”

He asked district presidents and office-bearers to prepare for an aggressive campaign and urged the cadre to respond boldly to any insult or injustice meted out to BJP or Hindu activists.

“Wherever our workers are targeted, you must unite and protect them,” he said. “Congress can try to demoralize us, but our karyakartas didn’t enter politics for compromise. We won’t back down.”

Taking direct aim at the Congress, he said, “Let me see if there’s anyone left in Congress who can do real politics. We are not afraid.”

Vijayendra made it clear that BJP is eyeing a sweep in Kalaburagi, a Congress bastion.

Despite the scorching heat, a large turnout at the rally underscored the party’s organizational push.

“No matter who we’re up against, BJP workers have the strength to stand tall. I urge our leaders—stay united,” he said, adding, “I am indebted to all of you for making this event a success.”

The Janakrosha Yatra, he said, aimed to expose the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government’s failures, especially its unfulfilled poll guarantees.

“Siddaramaiah promised a model government. But after coming to power, he conveniently forgot all his guarantees,” he alleged. “In fact, just before the polls, money was transferred to voters—this isn’t governance, it’s bribery.”

Vijayendra accused the Chief Minister of treating citizens like beggars. “On one hand, he announces free bus rides for women. On the other hand, he cancels thousands of rural routes. Now, students from farming families can’t even reach schools and colleges,” he said.

He also took a swipe at the government for failing to fund the state-run KSRTC, saying the state owes Rs 6,500 crore to the corporation. He added that electricity tariffs had been quietly hiked by 36 paise per unit, further burdening ordinary citizens.