Denial of permission for HDK's padayatra irks Gowda

JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Thursday expressed his disappointment over Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner denying permission to former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to take out a padayatra from Mangaluru to Kalladka on July 15, citing law and order problems.

Gowda had announced that Kumaraswamy will take out a padayatra from Mangaluru to Kalladka in Bantwal taluk to create awareness against communal violence.

Speaking to reporters here, Gowda said the padayatra was not planned to gain any political mileage. Participants had been directed not to display any banners or posters, representing any party. Leaders of all parties, religious heads, intellectuals, freedom fighters and others were invited to take part in the march.

The future course of action would decide in a couple of days, he said.

Peace meeting

Commenting on the peace meeting held in Mangaluru, Gowda said it has been convened by Forest Minister B Ramanath Rai, who himself was involved in political mud-slinging. “It has to be seen how fruitful the meeting will be in checking communal violence. If the meeting is successful, it is good for the people and the district. Being a former prime minister, I am aware of the law and order situation and will not take any decision that will affect peace and harmony,” he said.