Karnataka: BBMP Cancels Permission For Congress' Mekedatu Padayatra In Bengaluru

Karnataka recorded 15,617 Covid cases in the last 24 hours with 44 per cent higher cases than the previous day

Karnataka Congress Mekedatu padayatra. (Image: ANI)

New Delhi: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Thursday cancelled the permission given to the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) for the valedictory event of the Mekedatu Padayatra at National College Grounds in Bengaluru amid growing Covid-19 cases in the state. Congress has earlier planned the Bengaluru leg from January 14-19.

Karnataka meanwhile recorded 15,617 Covid cases in the last 24 hours with 44 per cent higher than the previous day. 

COVID-19: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) cancels permission given to Congress for a programme that was to be held in Bengaluru, Karnataka to end the Mekedatu Padayatra on January 19

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022

Cong leader Veerappa Moily tests positive for Covid

Meanwhile, on Wednesday senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily tested positive for Covid-19 days after attending the Mekedatu march. A total of four leaders -- Former Minister HM Revanna, MLC CM Ibrahim, MLA NH Shivashankara Reddy -- including Veerappa Moily have tested positive for Covid.

This evening I tested positive for COVID-19. While I am having symptoms (cough & fever), I’m grateful to be fully vaccinated, which is protecting me from more severe illness.
I am under home quarantine & request everyone who have recently come in my contact to get tested.

— Dr. M. Veerappa Moily (@moilyv) January 12, 2022

Two Congress leaders tested positive for Covid after KPCC chief DK Shivakumar refrained from taking Covid test claiming he did not have any symptoms.

A 10-day-long Mekedatu rally has been taken out by Karnataka Congress leaders demanding the construction of reservoirs across the Cauvery river in the state. For breaching Covid guidelines while taking out rally, 64 Cong leaders including Shivakumar were booked.