Congress in poll mode in Karnataka, announces padayatras

Bangalore, Dec 18: Getting into poll mode for next year's assembly elections,

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on Tuesday announced the launch of three padayatras and district-wise people's contact programme for three months from January.

KPCC President G Parameshwara told reporters that the first padayatra would begin from the "illegal mining hotspot" Hospet to Koodalasangama from Jan 6 to 14 to highlight the state government's "failure" to expedite projects under Upper Krishna Project.

He alleged that nearly 400 tmcft of water allocated to the state is being released to Andhra Pradesh unutilised.

The second padayatra (Feb 3 to 9) would begin from Basavakalyana to Jewargi to "enlighten" people that the Centre was behind granting special status to Hyderabad-Karnataka region under Article 371 of the Constitution, he said.

The third padayatra will be held from Feb 23 to Mar 2 between Mysore and Kengeri to highlight the BJP government's "failure in all fronts", he said.

The party will also conduct conventions and public meetings in 24 districts beginning from Dec 23 in Kolar.

He said the selection process for candidates contesting assembly polls, due in April-May next, has begun. Before recommending names to AICC, winnability factor of candidates would be thoroughly considered, he said.

PTI