Bellary:
After walking more than 300 kilometres in 16 days, Congress leaders from Karnataka marched into Bellary with a one-point agenda: to embarrass the BJP government, and in particular, the Reddy brothers, who are ministers and mining barons from this part of the state.
It was no coincidence that the padayatra culminated on the anniversary of the Quit India march. At a rally attended by thousands, the stage had a backdrop with portraits of India's freedom fighters.
Janardhana and Karunakara Reddy were not around to witness the Opposition descending on their home turf. In an earlier interview to NDTV, the Reddys said they hoped the Congress would enjoy great success with its protest march. They were being sarcastic.
Senior Congress leaders Veerappa Moily, Ghulam Nabi Azad and SM Krishna addressed the rally. "Crores of iron ore wealth is being stolen. The country is losing foreign exchange - but it is being stolen. All this is controlled by four men. They are stealing it and exporting it. The BJP leadership is quiet - because they are involved. The BJP government and its ministers are looting the state," said Azad.
4500 policemen were on duty to prevent any violence. Close-circuit cameras had been installed at key junctions, and schools and colleges got the day off.
For weeks, the Congress and other Opposition parties have been demanding that the CBI be asked to investigate illegal mining in the state.
11 years ago, Bellary in Karnataka became the battleground where Sonia Gandhi defeated senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj. After her victory, Gandhi surrendered the seat, choosing to represent Amethi in Uttar Pradesh in Parliament. Since then, the BJP has been gaining ground here.