The BJP has decided to go ahead with the ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ motorcycle rally, while Food and Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader has asked to cancel it as it would disturb peace in the region.
Talking to reporters here on Saturday, BJP Yuva Morcha district president Harish Poonja said a large number of activists will take part in the rally demanding action against Karnataka Forum for Dignity and People’s Front of India, whose activists are allegedly involved in several murders reported in the State.
Mr. Poonja said the motorcycle rally will be peaceful. “We have no history of creating trouble. And, we will not be a cause for disturbing law and order,” Mr. Poonja said.
The rally is to condemn assaults and murders of right-wing activists. The rally will start from Mysuru, Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, and Hubbbali on Tuesday. All those in the rally will take a break enroute in different parts of the district on Wednesday.
The teams will leave on Thursday morning and come to Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru around noon where a protest meeting will be held.
BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa, State BJP Yuva Morcha president Pratap Simha and Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, will participate, Mr. Poonja said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Khader asked the BJP to withdraw the proposed motorcycle rally. Talking to reporters, Mr. Khader said the situation in the district was volatile and it was risky to undertake the rally.
“There have been several instances of trouble during rallies. In the interest of preserving peace, I request the BJP to call off the motorcycle rally,” he said.
Mr. Khader said the police should consider the likelihood of law and order problem while allowing the rally.
When asked whether the State government will bar holding the motorcycle rally, Mr. Khader said, “Whatever needs to be told in public I am telling it here, whatever the government will do I cannot tell it here.”
