It's time to go on yatras for Karnataka MLAs

After sleeping over in the assembly for nearly a week, members of the Karnataka legislative assembly are ready for more drama -- it is time for Yatra politics in the state.

The first of the yatras (processions on foot) will commence on July 25 led by the opposition Congress.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah, who will lead the yatra, said the procession is aimed at exposing illegal mining in Karnataka.

It also aims at stopping the loot of natural resources in Karnataka, he added.

The yatra will begin at Freedom Park in Bengaluru and will culminate at Bellary, where a huge public rally will be held on August 9.

Congress district bearers and supporters from the public from various districts will join them, Siddaramaiah said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party seems to be holding two rallies -- one by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and the other by the Reddy brothers.

To counter the opposition's yatra, the Reddy brothers will take out a rally at Bellary. This rally, which is scheduled to start on August 20, will be led by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj.

State Tourism Minister Janardhan Reddy had announced on Monday that they would tell the people their version of the mining issue and also expose the Congress during the rally. The rally will end at Mysore, which is the stronghold of Siddaramaiah.

However, there seems to be a clash of programmes within the BJP regarding the rally since Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has planned to undertake his rally of 30 districts on August 13.

The skirmish is being sorted out by the party high command.

Sources said Yeddyurappa does not want the Reddys to undertake a rally, as it would suggest that there were two powerhouses within the BJP.

The MLAs too have supported the CM's stand for they feel that the CM's rally would have more importance.

The CM has stated that he would visit all the 30 districts in Karnataka in the wake of the Taluk Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat elections.

Sources within the BJP told rediff.com that the CM and state BJP chief Eshwarappa have refused to take part in the Reddys' rally, as they feel it is not the right time for a tit-for-tat with the opposition.

Instead, they feel, the party must stand united by the CM to win the people's trust for the forthcoming local body elections.