Bharat Jodo 2.0: Congress Padyatra Starts in Vijayendra's Turf

84 Seats, 84 Days

The padyatra is planned across 84 Assembly constituencies where the Congress lost in the 2023 elections. It is expected to run for 84 days and cover 29 districts. The party says the focus will be on meeting people and discussing local issues, including drought and farmers' concerns.

Why It Matters: A Campaign Aimed at Weak Spots

The strategy is clear: go where the party is weakest. Instead of rallying its base in seats it already holds, the Congress is taking its campaign to constituencies it lost, and starting with the home turf of the BJP's top leader in the state.

The timing also matters. The yatra comes months after a leadership change in the state. D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as Chief Minister in June, and Hariprasad took over as KPCC president on June 3. As the new state chief, Hariprasad faces elections to five corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, along with upcoming zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat polls. A statewide padyatra is a way to energise party workers ahead of those contests.

The name itself borrows from Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra of 2022–23, which travelled from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

"He Is Still an LKG Child"

Speaking to reporters during the march, Hariprasad alleged that Vijayendra had got Congress flags and posters removed.

"Vijayendra Yediyurappa has got the Congress party's flags and posters torn. He is still a LKG child. I have got a PhD and doctorate in such matters. If I want, I can ensure that nowhere do their flags and banners come up. We have that capacity," he said.

He added that such actions were not expected from a state party president. "This mischief should not be done. Vijayendra should not do this being the State BJP president. In a democracy, we have the right to stage a protest. If our symbols, flags and banners are torn, BJP flags, banners and posters will also be taken out."

The Drought Jibe

Hariprasad also criticised the BJP's own recent padyatra, alleging that it passed through drought-hit taluks without raising the drought issue.

A Leader Known for Sharp Words

Hariprasad is known for his outspoken criticism of the BJP and the RSS, and Wednesday's remarks were in keeping with that style. His comments are likely to set the tone for a heated campaign as the yatra moves across the state.

What Comes Next

With 84 days and 29 districts ahead, the padyatra will keep Karnataka's political temperature high through the coming months. How the BJP responds to the march will shape the next phase of the contest.

With inputs from IANS.