CM: No plot to stop padayatra

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has dismissed the allegation of the Congress party that the new Covid guidelines are a conspiracy to obstruct their padayatra for implementation of the Mekedatu project.

The CM said there is a rapid increase in Covid cases not just in Karnataka but in the entire country including Maharashtra and Goa for the past 15 days and especially in the past three days. How can there be any conspiracy in the curbs? ‘’Based on the experience of the past two waves, it is the responsibility of the government to take necessary precautionary measures and so we have come up with these guidelines,” he said.

He was speaking to media persons on his arrival at Nagamangala in Mandya district, to participate in the valedictory function of the Yuvajanotsava held at Aadichunchangiri on Wednesday.

When asked on the decision of Congress leaders to take up the padayatra despite Covid guidelines, Mr Bommai said, “Covid does not distinguish between parties. There is a law for the implementation of Covid guidelines and it is applicable to all. Every citizen should follow it including the Opposition parties. In the past they (opposition parties) have been in government and they have formulated several laws. We expect them to behave responsibly as the opposition party and follow Covid rules. Once Covid is under control, we can sit and discuss we can do,” he said.

When asked if the government will initiate action in case the Congress takes up the padayatra despite Covid guidelines, Mr Bommai said, “At the right time, we will initiate the right action.”