A walkathon from Dharwad to Nargund pledging support to the ongoing farmers agitation over the Kalasa-Banduri issue began here on Tuesday.
Kannada poet Chennaveer Kanavi, the former Union Minister Babagouda Patil, senior counsel B.D. Hiremath and others flagged off the walkathon at Kadapa Maidan here. Members of various pro-Kannada organisations joined the walkathon which would reach Nargund on August 11 covering nearly 60 km.
Nearly 200 people joined the walkathon when it was flagged off at 8.30 a.m. It would reach Nargund on August 11 at 4 p.m. where a convention would be held. This is a apolitical rally and no support or donation has been taken from any political party.
The participants would also hold open sessions at different places en route . The volunteers would tread 25 km to 30 km per day and rest in select villages.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Babagouda Patil said that these days politicians have forgotten the welfare of the people. They were indulging in mere vote-bank politics. A strong movement from the people only could change the situation. It was unfortunate that the political parties were playing politics over sensitive issues such as the Mahadayi water sharing dispute. Mr. Kanavi and Mr. Hiremath also spoke.
