JOIN USThe Reddys’ decision to keep off Bellary on Monday did not go well with the party high command as that would have sent a different message to the Congress which is trying to pull out all stops to dislodge the mining tycoons from the Yeddyurappa Cabinet.
While Bellary is the Reddys’ fiefdom, on Sunday, the town was adorned with hundreds of posters, banners and cut-outs of Congress leaders. Every nook and corner of the town had the stamp of the Congress with the district administration imposing no restriction on display of publicity materials.
Besides, a public rally has been organised at the Bellary sports stadium, at the heart of the town. Unlike during the padayatra in the last 15 days, on the culminating day the leaders have decided to walk together to show party unity.
To see to it that the situation does not go out of control, the police bundobast is strong. Nearly 5,000 policemen have been deployed all over the town. Besides, five additional superintendents of police, 16 deputy superintendents of police and 66 inspectors will lead the force to maintain law and order on Monday.
As many as six battalions of Rapid Action Force and one battalion of KSRP commandos have been drafted for providing security, according to A R Infant, ADGP (Law & Order). A bomb disposal squad will also remain on standby. Closed circuit televisions have been installed at eight vantage points.
Tight security arrangements have been made at the district stadium, the venue.
The final day’s padayatra will begin at 9 am and is scheduled to reach the stadium at 2 pm. The yatra will pass through the town’s main streets — Old Bangalore Road, Gadagi Chennappa Circle and H R G Circle — before reaching the stadium.
A mammoth stage has been put up at the stadium to accommodate 300 leaders. Two separate stages have been set up on either side of the main platform to seat former party leaders. Seating arrangements have been made for nearly 70,000 people.