Yatra signals Cong recovery: DKS

We now know importance of unity, mass contact

High on confidence, the KPCC leadership has realised the virtues of mass contact programme of the Gandhian kind to revive the party.       

"The illegal mining issue on which we demanded their (Reddy brothers') resignation from the government is being addressed by the Union Government," State Congress working president D K Shivakumar told Deccan Herald on Tuesday.

The 320-km long Bangalore-Bellary padayatra has certainly helped highlight the illegal mining issue not just in the State but also at the national level. But the highflying State leaders have accomplished much more. It has made them realise “the need to have both your feet on the ground when the chips are down”, said Shivakumar, adding: "We are on the road to recovery."

The state Congress was down in the dumps before the padayatra. Nothing was working right for the party and its leaders as they lost election after election since the May 2008 Assembly polls. Defeat in the BBMP poll was a big shocker.  

"We now know the importance of will power, party unity and constant contact with the people, in particular our supporters. When we were found wanting in these respects, the BJP took advantage of the situation," said Shivakumar during an informal interaction at the Deccan Herald office.

The evidence of the gruelling 16-day yatra was all over the face of the 48-year old Congress leader - he has lost some weight, though he wasn't sure how much. But the blistering on the nose due to sunburn stood out.

"We were lucky. The monsoon wind made our walk a less painful experience," said the KPCC working president. His participation in the reenactment of the Dandi March five years ago made him confident that he could walk the entire stretch.

Future plans

What next? "We are meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) to chalk out our follow-up action to build on the momentum generated from the yatra," Shivakumar said.

“Since a large number of party workers from all over the State came to Bellary for the concluding rally on their own, we will take advantage of their enthusiasm to revive the Congress organisation from the block Congress level.”