BJP plans apolitical 'tiranga yatra' across state from tomorrow

An apolitical ‘tiranga yatra’ has been planned across the state to express solidarity with the armed forces and send a message of national unity, leader of the Opposition R Ashoka and former deputy CM Dr C N Ashwath Narayan announced on Tuesday.

Ashoka told reporters that the main rally would be taken out at 11 am on May 15 from Shiruru park on Sampige Road at Malleswaram in Bengaluru. It culminates at 18th cross, Malleswaram.

The BJP leaders maintained that the party had issued clear directives that only the national flag should be sported during the rally and there would be no BJP flags. They told partymen to ensure that party banners weren’t displayed. 

Ashoka said the rally would have participation from a wide cross-section of society, including doctors, engineers, students, farmers and workers. He said the ‘tiranga yatra’ would be organised in all district headquarters on May 16 and 17, followed by rallies in taluk centres from May 18 to 23. 

Heaping praise on the armed forces for sending a clear message to Pakistan, Ashoka said Operation Sindoor succeeded in eliminating over 100 terrorists and destroying multiple terror training camps, which resulted in Pakistan begging for peace. 

“Our armed forces showed the world what happens if the dignity of our women, the sindoor, is wiped out,” he said.

Ashoka said the Congress must refrain from political opportunism.

“Prior to the operations, Congress questioned the necessity of war and strongly advocated for maintaining peace. But soon after the successful completion of the mission and ceasefire, they are asking why the military action was halted? The Congress must stop playing politics and support our armed forces,” he said. 

On Congress leaders demanding that a special session of Parliament be convened in the wake of the military action against Pakistan, Ashoka said this was not the right time for it.

“Our armed forces have already presented evidence of their operations. There is no need for anyone to ask for proof anymore,” he asserted.