BJP Ballari Meeting Denied Ground Permission

Citing a 2015 government order, the department said government college premises could not be used for such programmes. The BJP, however, questioned the decision, asking why Rahul Gandhi’s padayatra and other ‘Sadhana Samavesha’ programmes had been allowed at the ground in the past if the government order was already in force.

The BJP is currently undertaking the ‘Ballari Chalo Padayatra’ from Raichur to Ballari. The proposed meeting is planned as the valedictory programme of the padayatra. The party’s Ballari district unit had sought permission to hold the meeting from 3 pm to 8 pm on September 10, stating that more than 50,000 people and several dignitaries were expected to attend.

In a letter to BJP Ballari district president Anil Kumar Moka, the Deputy Director of the School Education Department (Pre-University) for Ballari and Vijayanagara districts said the request had been examined but permission could not be granted.

The department cited an order issued by the Director of the Pre-University Education Department in 2015, which prohibits government PU college grounds and buildings from being given to private organisations for public or private functions, exhibitions, sales stalls, entertainment programmes and other such events.

The order also makes the principals of the concerned colleges responsible for any violation and provides for disciplinary action against them.

“Permission cannot be granted to organise the proposed large public meeting at the ground of the Government PU College, Ballari,” the Deputy Director said in the letter, adding that the BJP’s request could not be considered in view of the existing order.

Meanwhile, the BJP strongly opposed the decision and accused the government of selectively applying the order.

“This is an oppressive policy of a government that is scared of our padayatra. They are now citing a 2015 order and saying that a programme cannot be held on a government PU college ground. But in 2022, during Rahul Gandhi’s padayatra, a programme was held here. ‘Sadhana Samavesha’ programmes were also held here, including during Siddaramaiah’s tenure,” BJP state general secretary and former MLA P. Rajeev told Deccan Chronicle.

“If the order did not come in their way then, why is it being cited now? We will try to convince the Deputy Commissioner of Ballari. If permission is not given, the valedictory programme will turn into a protest across Ballari,” he said.