BJP to launch 10-day padayatra against Karnataka government today

September 1, 2026

New Delhi: The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will begin a 10-day protest padayatra on Tuesday, September 1, targeting the Congress-led state government over alleged irregularities linked to the former minister B. Nagendra and the Valmiki Corporation issue.

The protest march will continue from September 1 to September 10, passing through nine Assembly constituencies before concluding in Ballari.

Former minister and BJP leader B. Sriramulu announced the programme while unveiling the logo for the padayatra at the party’s state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru.

Padayatra to begin in Lingasugur

The march will begin with a major public meeting at Lingasugur and will culminate in Ballari on September 10.

Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy, Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and several other BJP leaders are expected to attend the inaugural programme, Sriramulu said.

The padayatra will pass through Lingasugur, Maski, Sindhanur, Karatagi, Gangavathi, Kampli, Sandur, Ballari Rural and Ballari City.

BJP targets Congress government

The BJP has been targeting the Karnataka government over alleged irregularities involving the Valmiki Corporation and the political controversy surrounding former minister B. Nagendra.

Sriramulu said the BJP had repeatedly demanded Nagendra’s resignation both inside and outside the Assembly over the alleged Valmiki Corporation scam.

He said Nagendra resigned twice over the issue and described this as unusual. Sriramulu also claimed that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had acknowledged that irregularities had taken place in the corporation.

According to Sriramulu, Rs 87 crore was transferred and corporation funds were allegedly misused during the Lok Sabha elections to work against the BJP in different districts.

These allegations were made by Sriramulu as part of the BJP’s criticism of the state government.

Sriramulu targets Shivakumar, Nagendra

Sriramulu also criticised Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, saying he could have defended Nagendra but chose not to do so.

He alleged that Shivakumar had concluded that Nagendra should resign amid pressure from the Opposition.

Sriramulu also attacked Nagendra over his criticism of BJP leaders as “Manuvadis”, while recalling that BJP leaders, including Janardhana Reddy, had supported him when he won the 2013 election.

Chandrashekhar death raised

The BJP leader also referred to the death of tribal welfare corporation official Chandrashekhar, alleging that he died by suicide after facing threats and harassment in connection with the case.

Sriramulu accused Nagendra and the Congress of failing to support the deceased official’s family.

He further alleged that Nagendra was made a minister after allegedly giving “suitcases” and claimed that the “validity” of the arrangement had now expired.

BJP questions Cabinet changes

Sriramulu also questioned the removal of Dalit leader K.N. Rajanna from the Karnataka Cabinet and asked why Nagendra was now expressing concern for Dalits.

He criticised Shivakumar’s description of Nagendra as an “asset of the Congress”, alleging that Nagendra had effectively pledged public money to the party.

The BJP’s 10-day padayatra is expected to put further political pressure on the Karnataka government over the Valmiki Corporation controversy and related allegations.