The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka launched a 10-day foot march titled 'Ballari Chalo' from Lingasugur in Raichur district heading towards Ballari. The political campaign targets the ruling Congress administration over allegations of systemic corruption, financial irregularities in state welfare corporations, and recent controversies involving Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examinations. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, along with senior legislators including Y. Bharath Shetty, led demonstrations accusing the state executive of severe governance lapses and high commission practices in development projects. The marchers are highlighting public grievances, including delays in civic schemes and reported OMR sheet manipulations in government job recruitment tests. In response, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that the Congress party welcomes political agitations and is preparing a comprehensive counter-strategy. He defended his administration's record, asserting that allegations regarding recruitment scams would be investigated thoroughly by the Home Minister and law enforcement agencies while calling out the opposition's political motivations. The 10-day padayatra is set to conclude in Ballari, marking a sharp escalation in political confrontation across the state ahead of upcoming local government polls.
