Bangalore, July 13: While illegal mining is one of the most serious challenges the state is facing, the Opposition protest against it had the makings of a Broadway farce. The overnight dharna called by the Congress and the JD(S) demanding a CBI inquiry into allegations of illegal mining saw legislators descending on the Vidhana Soudha on Monday night with their night dresses, bedspreads and pillows in tow.
Police and watchmen had a tough time recognising the state’s politicos sans the customary white khadi. Perhaps the night was a bit too chilly for homespun, but the MLAs turned up in track suits, multi-coloured lungis and dhotis. While T B Jayachandra, A Manju and Sudhakar were seen sporting tracksuits and T-shirts, P S Prakash was seen dozing on a chair in the lounge, at home in a colourful lungi.
The crusade against corruption was not lent any dignity by the sight of MLAs squatting on the ‘floor’ of the House, and dining from the very tables where they keep their books and speak when the House is in session. The MLAs and MLCs were provided with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food courtesy of the House. However, JD (S) leader H D Revanna made it a point to arrange food for his own party MLAs.
While the JD(S) called for a Bellary bachao andolan, the Congress is considering a 313 km walkathon to Bellary in the first week of August, followed by a rally.
“We have decided to do something on our own and win back the waning confidence of central party leaders in the state unit, after a series of back-to-back defeats in the polls,” a senior Congress leader told Express.
If the state Congress leaders have their way the rally could see some big guns, including Rahul Gandhi and Union Ministers like mining minister B K Handique. The Congress decided to extend the night dharna to Tuesday night.
In a sign of which way the wind could be blowing for the Bellary brothers, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said on Monday, “I am prepared to go to the people if I find myself unable to stop illegal mining.” The writing on the wall could not be clearer.
–Agencies–