Mangaluru: The proposed Mangaluru Chalo by BJP Yuva Morcha on Thursday is likely to create tension with the authorities banning the bike rally in Mangaluru commissionerate and Dakshina Kannada district limits and BJP leaders declaring that they will continue with the scheduled programme defying the ban order.
As per the order issued by Police Commissioner T.R. Suresh, Section 35 of Karnataka Police Act has been imposed in Mangaluru city limits banning the bike rally and procession from 6 pm on September 6 to the midnight of September 8. A similar order has been issued by deputy commissioner Dr K.G. Jagadeesha in all taluks of the district outside the city.
However BJP leaders have decided to go ahead with the programme and court arrest. "There is no change in our programme. Our state president B.S. Yeddyurappa will address the gathering at BR Ambedkar Circle. The bike rally will be taken out from there till the DC's office. We also plan to picket the DC's office," BJP district president Sanjiv Matandur told Deccan Chronicle.
About 12,000 people are expected to participate in this programme from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. "We will continue with our programme, we are ready to get arrested," former MLC Monapppa Bhandary said.
Meanwhile, officials were seen strengthening security at the gate of the DC's office to ensure that the protesters do not sneak into the office.
One company of the Rapid Action Force, 15 platoons each of Karnataka State Reserve Police and City Armed Reserve, along with 8SP grade officers, 12 DySP grade officers, 30 inspectors, 60 sub-inspectors and 600 constables and home guards have been deployed in the city. Former police commissioner Chandrasekhar, an IGP grade officer is in Mangaluru and monitoring the situation.
The DC has also ordered the closure of all wine stores and bars on September 7 from 6 am to 6 pm in city commissionerate limits.
