Congress takes out Bharat Jodo 2.0 in Shikaripur

The Congress party in Karnataka initiated a series of marches known as Bharat Jodo 2.0 in Shikaripur on Wednesday. This constituency, previously represented by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, is now led by BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra. Approximately 100 Congress workers participated in the march, which commenced at Kittadahalli, situated around 10 kilometers from Shikaripur town.

The procession started at 11 a.m., following the singing of the national song, "Vande Mataram," and the national anthem, accompanied by KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad, Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, N. Basavanthappa, and other party leaders. Hariprasad, during his address, recalled that four years prior, the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by AICC leader Rahul Gandhi had arrived in Gundlupete.

As a tribute to this historic journey that spanned from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the Congress in Karnataka had organized Bharat Jodo 2.0. The objective of this endeavor was to raise awareness regarding the discrepancies in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission, which excluded around 1.5 crore voters from the electoral roll.

Congress workers and leaders marched along the path connecting Kittadahalli to Shikaripur via Mattikote Cross, Hosanagara, and Nelagavagilu, many donning caps to shield themselves from the intense heat. Drinking water stations were set up along the route to keep participants hydrated. The march caused disruptions to public transport and private vehicles, with numerous buses rerouted as the road was occupied by Congress supporters.

Prior to the march, Hariprasad and other Congress figures visited Esur, a village renowned for its significant contributions to the freedom struggle, where they paid homage to the martyrs at the memorial. Shivamogga District Congress Committee president H.C. Yogesh and other committee members were also present during the event.