BJP Targets CM Siddaramaiah over KSTDC Promoting Wayanad

BENGALURU: A recent packaged tour announced by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) from Bengaluru to Wayanad of Kerala drew criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the State Government of favouring Wayanad over State’s interest.

According to the packaged tour by air-conditioned deluxe coach bus to Wayanad, it will be 3-days and two-nights and the frequency of the Wayanad package will be every Friday. The itinerary departure will be from BMTC Bus Stand at Yeshwanthpur at 6 pm and cover Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills in Gundlupet of Chamarajaagar en route to Wayanad via Bandipur National Park. On reaching Wayanad, a visit to Lakadi and Pookode Lake and at Vythiri. The second of the tour will cover Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Banasura reservoir and the final day schedule will cover the Glass Bridge, Edakkal Caves before returning to Bengaluru.

For the convenience of travelers, KSTDC stated a professional guide will impart knowledge about tourist spots. For State/Central and Public Sector Undertaking employees, announced LTC facilities as well.

Over the announcement of a package tour to Wayanad, Leader of Opposition in Assembly R. Ashok accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as acting “brand ambassador” to promote tourist attractions of Wayanad, a seat represented by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi in Lok Sabha.

Ashok pointed to Siddaramaiah that the State Government released Rs 15 lakh as ex gratia to the family of a bereaved family killed in an elephant attack. A wild elephant belonging to Karnataka strayed to Wayanad and killed a person there.

Questioning the Chief Minister, Ashok stated Siddaramaiah declared to get 100 houses constructed affected by landslides in Wayanad but blind to State’s farmers' plight over crops losses over floods.

“Siddaramaiah’s heart melts for Wayanad but not for the plight of people affected by floods in Bidar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Bagalkot, Yadgir among others?,” he said.