Janaashirvad Yatra, the just-concluded poll campaign of Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad Karnataka (HK) region, has enthused the Congress cadre to plan yet another in quick succession. The second phase of Mr. Gandhi’s rally will be in Bombay Karnataka (BK) region in the third week of February.
During the four-day tour in HK region, Mr. Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its “faulty” economic policies and highlighted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s achievements. He also spoke of the special status (Article 371-J) accorded to HK region when the Congress was at the Centre.
Mr. Gandhi, who kicked-off the campaign at Hosapete in Ballari district, criss-crossed six districts of the region.
During his BK visit, the focus is expected to be on Mahadayi — emphasising the Prime Minister’s reluctance to call a meeting of all stakeholders — besides the issue of Lingayat demand for religion status. Mr. Gandhi spoke at length about the philosophy of 12th century social reformer and Lingayat icon Basavanna during his HK visit and is expected to continue doing so in BK, which is the hotbed of the issue.
Congress insiders say Mr. Gandhi was able to forge personal connection with the local leaders of the party and people of the region and hopes to do so in BK region too. Temple visits, which characterised his Gujarat poll campaign and his tour in HK, is expected to continue in BK.
