B. Nagendra Mocks BJP’s ‘Ballari Chalo’ Padayatra as a ‘Health Walk’

Former Karnataka Minister and Congress leader B. Nagendra launched a sharp attack on the opposition BJP over its ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra (foot march), mocking the rally as a political gimmick aimed primarily at physical exercise.

Addressing reporters at Rupanagudi village, Nagendra ridiculed the march, saying BJP leaders lacked genuine issue-based grounds for undertaking a padayatra.

"The BJP leaders had no real issues to raise, so they took up this march to burn fat and lower their cholesterol because they don't find time to walk at home. One leader even managed to lose 5 kilograms during the trek. I welcome their walk and wish them good health and longevity," Nagendra remarked sarcastically.

Nagendra clarified that he did not resign out of fear of the BJP, but to prevent any embarrassment to the Congress party. He added that the march was instead meant to wash away the BJP’s own wrongdoings.

Responding to the BJP’s claim of winning 10 Assembly seats in the undivided Ballari district in the 2028 elections, Nagendra accepted the challenge. He predicted that Congress would secure victories not only in Ballari but across Karnataka in the next Assembly elections.

Rejecting allegations of state interference in the BJP’s rally, Nagendra said the administration had granted the necessary ground permissions and deployed adequate police security. He accused local BJP leaders of spreading falsehoods for political mileage.

Nagendra also condemned the offensive language used by BJP leaders against Kampli MLA and Minister Tangadagi, accusing the opposition of harbouring deep-seated prejudices against Dalits, Adivasis and minorities.

On the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on senior Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Nagendra termed the action politically motivated. He alleged that central investigative agencies such as the ED and CBI had been turned into political tools of the BJP-led government at the Centre.

"Minister Satish Jarkiholi is emerging as a high-potential leader within the party. The Centre is deliberately targeting leaders who strengthen the Congress and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. People are losing faith in these central agencies due to their blatant misuse," Nagendra stated, warning that more Congress leaders could face similar raids in the future.

Meanwhile, the Congress party is preparing for a mega rally in Ballari under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge to counter the BJP’s political narrative.

Nagendra said the proposed event would not merely be a response to the BJP’s padayatra, but would also provide an opportunity to highlight thousands of crores worth of development works executed by the Congress government in the region. He said the final date for the rally would be announced following discussions with the party high command.