K'taka: BJP defends taking out Shobha Yatra

Bangalore, Nov 22: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa today strongly defended the taking out of 'Shobha Yatra' in Chikmagalur district, denying that it would create communal divide in the society as apprehended by the Opposition Congress.

Participating in a meet-the-press programme, organised by the Bangalore Press Club here, he said the Shobha Yatra, being planned by the Bajrang Dal with the support of the Sangh Parivar and the BJP, should be taken out successfully without hurting others.

Mr Yediyurappa took exception to the Congress leaders opposing the yatra on the grounds that it would lead to communal tension.

On the byelection to the Chamundeshwari Assembly seat, he exuded confidence that the BJP-backed JD(S) candidate Shivabasappa would emerge victorious. He defended the party's decision to extend support to the JD(S) candidate and said it would help to send across the message that the coalition Government stood on firm ground and would complete its full term.

UNI