Thousands of Congress workers, MLAs, MLCs and other leaders, took part in the rally 'Samarasya Nadige Souhardadedege' (Harmony walk for goodwill) organised in Bantwal on Tuesday.
Around 3,000 Congress workers took part in the walk, led by District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai, covering a distance of 24 km from Farangipet to Mani.
The rally gained significance as Bantwal is the place of the district in-charge minister.
The walk was flagged-off by actor Prakash Rai, minister Ramanath Rai and others at Farangipet, by releasing balloons and pigeons into the air.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader, former minister K Amarnath Shetty, Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo, Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty, Moodbidri MLA K Abhayachandra Jain, Belthangadi MLA Vasanth Bangera, Legislative Council Government Chief Whip Ivan D'Souza, district Congress President Harish Kumar, Mayor Kavitha Sanil, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Acamdemy Chairman A C Bhandary, CPI(M) State President G V Sriram Reddy, CPI leader Siddanagowda Patil, Raitha Sangha district Secretary Ravikiran Punacha, former Rajya Sabha MP Ibrahim, DYFI State President Munir Katipalla, CPI(M) district Secretary Vasanth Achary, Ahinda leaders Vasudeva Boloor, Dalit leaders Raghu Ekkar and M Devdas were present.
The workers held various placards saying 'Tuluvappena Jokulu Onjad Nadapuga', 'Hindu, Muslim Kraistara Ekate Chirayuvaagali', 'Manuja Jaati Taanonde Valam' and so on, reflecting equality and brotherhood.
The young workers walked enthusiastically while the elders lagged behind. Arrangements were made by some leaders for watermelons, juice and buttermilk were provided to rallyists at pit-stops on the way. The rally which started out at around 10 am reached Melkar at 1.30 pm. The rally resumed after lunch.
Apart from a stone-throwing incident at Farangipet in the early morning, the entire rally was peaceful. During the early morning, stones were hurled at a KSRTC bus in Farangipet. The KSRTC bus driver has lodged a case in this regard at the police station.
The rally later proceeded towards Neralakatte in Mani where a public programme was held. Arrangements were made for lunch at Melkar.
Police security was tightened in Farangipet, BC Road, Kalladka and Mani Junction. KSRP platoons kept a vigil on the route of the rally.
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