Sriramulu may tonsure head to ward off Congress spirits

"To ward off bad spirits falling on Bellary district following the arrival of Congress leaders on August 20, I will tonsure my head tomorrow, offer pooja at the Durga temple and go barefoot to all taluks to address conventions to highlight the BJP government's achievements", Sreeramulu, family associate of the two Reddy brothers told reporters here.

Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy, his brother and Revenue Minister G Karunakara Reddy and all district BJP leaders will participate in the conventions being held till August 20 to highlight the BJP government's achievements, the health minister said.

The mining barons, the Reddy brothers and Sreeramulu are facing flak from Opposition Congress and JDS for allegedly being involved in illegal mining. The state BJP had refused permission to Sreeramulu to go on a padayatra from Bellary to Mysore, home district of opposition Congress leader Siddaramaiah, to counter the Congress walk for "protecting state's resources".

Meanwhile, the Congress padayatra entered the fourth day today and workers from Mandya and Tumkur joined it. Siddaramaiah, KPCC President R V Desphande and KPCC working President D K Shivakumar met party workers and spoke to them.