BJP leaders participating in the Ballari Chalo’ padayatra in Ballari district on Monday (September 7).

| Photo Credit: SRIDHAR KAVALI

Tejasvi Surya, BJP MP, and former Minister B. Sriramulu on Monday (September 7) criticised the State government over alleged corruption and its handling of the drought situation, and called for a greater focus on issues affecting the people of Kalyana Karnataka.Speaking to presspersons at Metri village in Kampli taluk, Ballari district, on the seventh day of ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra, Mr. Surya said the padayatra intended to create awareness among people about the alleged corruption in the Congress-led State government.Mr. Surya said the government had failed to show adequate concern for the youth and had not introduced sufficient initiatives to create employment or promote self-employment. The concerns of young people should be taken up for discussion during the special session convened by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, he said.On the alleged KPSC recruitment scam, Mr. Surya said those responsible should be dealt with strictly, irrespective of their political affiliation. The BJP would not support anyone facing allegations of corruption, he said, adding that the alleged irregularities breached public trust and the integrity of the recruitment system.Mr. Surya questioned the Chief Minister’s reliance on aerial surveys for drought assessment. “Drought cannot be assessed from a helicopter. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar should visit the affected areas and take stock of the situation first-hand,” he urged and added that the Centre was ready to extend all necessary assistance to the State.Mr. Sriramulu also questioned the reliance on aerial surveys to assess the drought situation. The Chief Minister, Ministers and legislators should visit the affected areas to understand the situation at the ground level, he said.He said the padayatra was not confined to the demand for the resignation of former Minister B. Nagendra but was intended to highlight the failures of the State government.Mr. Sriramulu also alleged that funds earmarked for the Scheduled Caste community had been misused. He said the BJP would return to power in 2028 and hold the Congress-led government accountable for its alleged wrongdoings. Published - September 07, 2026 08:35 pm IST