Harapalli Ravindra joins BJP as leaders slam Congress for ‘total governance failure’ in Karnataka

Madikeri ; In a significant political development in Kodagu, prominent community leader and State Okkaliga sangha district representative Harapalli Ravindra along with hundreds of supporters officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday. His induction took place during a massive protest rally organized by the Somwarpet BJP unit against what they termed the Congress government’s “complete governance collapse” in Karnataka.

The protest march began at Vivekananda Circle and moved through the town before culminating in a public meeting at the JC Grounds. Several leaders and supporters from various parties also switched over to the BJP during the event, marking a show of growing strength for the saffron party in the region.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, addressing the gathering, accused the Congress of misleading the public with false promises and propaganda. He alleged that the government was burdening citizens with excessive taxes to fund its guarantee schemes, while many ministers were “deeply involved in corruption.” He assured that all long-standing issues in Kodagu would be resolved once the BJP returns to power.

Slamming the ruling party, he said employment opportunities had stalled, development works had slowed down, and Karnataka’s financial situation had worsened. “People are suffering, farmers are distressed, and several have taken their own lives. This government is abusing power instead of serving citizens,” he said.

Former minister Appachu Ranjan criticized the Congress government for failing to address farmers’ and coffee growers’ issues and for the poor condition of roads in Kodagu. He claimed Congress MLAs falsely boast of development while being unable to fix even basic infrastructure problems.

Former Speaker K.G. Bopaiah countered Congress accusations, stating that key projects—including professional colleges and universities—were established during BJP rule. He dismissed claims about a super-speciality hospital in Madikeri as misinformation.

Speaking after joining the BJP, Harapalli Ravindra said he quit the Congress because “there is no respect for social workers” in the party. He alleged that people are disgusted with the misrule of the state Congress government, as prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed. Public anger is growing, he said, with many complaining that life has become increasingly difficult under the current regime and waiting for next election to throw away congress.