Bellary, Karnataka:
The Congress padayatra against illegal mining in Karnataka is winding its way to Bellary. The padayatra that started in Bangalore on July 25, is scheduled to reach Bellary on Monday.
The curtains would be pulled after a big rally.
But isn't Bellary the bastion of the mining brothers? Keeping in mind that the mining row has been the main bone of contention in Karnataka politics, are sparks set to fly?
Bellary, the stronghold of the Reddy brothers, is all set to welcome the Congress in its home town. Mining barons and ministers in the state BJP government, Reddy brothers have promised there will be no friction when the Congress descends on their home turf.
Janardhan Reddy, Tourism Minister said, "I am so happy...our honourable Chief Minister put a ban on iron ore exports they could have stopped. Why they are continuing I don't know. Maybe they are more interested to see the developments of Bellary. I hope 100% these Congress people, Congress rally should be a success. More than 100% ."
Well, keeping the dubious welcome messages aside, the state government is taking some practical precautions as well to avoid conflict when the rally reaches Bellary.
"Already 4,500 police people they have been appointed in Bellary. Videography is going in this Congress padayatra - and 16 check posts we have arranged surrounding Bellary. And every check post - police with videography and they will be watching movements of vehicles and public near the Andhra border also. They can complete their rally very successfully and BJP will get the credit," added Janardhan Reddy.
Al though, the BJP government in Karnataka has guaranteed that the Congress padayatra can enter Bellary peacefully and hold a rally there without any trouble. It will be interesting to see the face-off between these two archrivals.
While the Congress and the BJP do seem to be on a collision course, the state will hope that that promise is kept.