Why Holalkere?

Why Holalkere?

Holalkere, the venue of BJP' Navakarnataka Nirmana Parivarthana Yatra, had strategically been chosen by party national president Amit Shah. First, Holalkere is an SC reserved constituency and the BJP wanted to reach out to its Dalit vote bank by holding a mega convention in such a segment. Secondly, BJP also wanted to send out a message that it can organise rallies that draws good crowd not just in urban areas and district headquarters, but also in taluk centres.

Town draped
in saffron

Virtually every inch of available space in Holalkere town was occupied by banners, posters of BJP leaders. Former MLA of Holalkere M Chandrappa had put the maximum number of posters. Local leaders, including district-unit functionaries and zilla panchayat members, all occupied sufficient banner space.

One local leader had a tag line below his name - "A assembly ticket aspirant".Even air space was not spared. Saffron coloured hot air ballons dominated the skyline with photographs of
BJP national president
Amit Shah and state president B S Yeddyurapppa.

Makeshift helipad for BJP chief

BJP national president Amit Shah arrived at the venue by helicopter.

The makeshift helipad for the purpose at a nearby open field drew a large crowd.

The crowd cheered and waved when the helicopter landed and later took off.