Sangma – the confluence of the Kaveri and Arkavathi rivers in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagaram district – seems to have brought together rival leaders in the Congress, who sent a strong message of unity on Sunday.
The Mekedatu padayatra, demanding early implementation of the project, brought together Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah and KPCC President DK Shivakumar – both seen as contenders for the chief minister’s post, and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha M. Mallikarjuna will stand on the same platform.
Seen as an event before the election bugle sounded, the padayatra brought together many aspiring party leaders from Bombay Karnataka, Kalyan Karnataka and Coastal Karnataka regions of the state.
Former KPCC chief R.V. Deshpande, during whose tenure Mr. Siddaramaiah had marched up to Bellary against illegal mining, and G. Parameshwara, during whose tenure the Kudalasangam padayatra was taken out from Bellary, was present along with the three present assignments. Party President and many MLAs and former MLAs. Former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily was also present.
Before the padyatra, many Congress sources had told Hindu That both Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar had realized the importance of staying united to come to power. Both have the bitter experience of sharing power with the Janata Dal (Secular) after the Congress led by Mr. Siddaramaiah lost power. The chief minister is selected only after a victory in an election and both are fighting a joint battle for that victory in the assembly elections to be held in 2023.
Siddaramaiah returned to Bangalore due to ill health
After the symbolic start of the padayatra, some Congress leaders withdrew due to health reasons or due to harsh sunlight. Those ousted also include former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had earlier said that he would cover the entire distance to Bengaluru along with KPCC president DK Shivakumar if the government did not allow the crowd. The former chief minister, who was running high in temperature, was advised rest by the doctors, after which he returned to Bengaluru.
Only a few take part from the film sector
Though the film fraternity had given moral support for the Mekedatu padayatra, only a few launched it at Sangma. The attendees included actors Duniya Vijaya and Sadhu Kokila. Actors and former ministers Jayamala and Umashree, both Congress leaders were also present. Sadhu Nightingale specially composed a song for the padayatra.
colorful launch
The padyatra began on a colorful note with the performance of several folk teams at the venue. Many women MLAs and former MLAs demonstrated urn:The Cauvery was filled with water at the start of the padyatra.
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