Mysore/Mysuru: Even as the Congress is determined to go on with its planned  10-day ‘ Mekedatu Padayatra ’ starting from Jan. 9, JD(S) MLC Marithibbegowda has appealed the Congress to defer its padayatra at least  until the COVID pandemic, which is witnessing a sudden spurt in the past few days, shows signs of abating. In a press statement, Marithibbegowda said that the Mekedatu project will help both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in distress situations.

Maintaining that the project is a very important one for Karnataka, he said that the project has reached a level after persistent demands and agitations.

Pointing out that every party has the right to take out a padayatra for the cause of people and the state, the MLC said that the Congress announced the date (Jan.9) of its Mekedatu Padayatra only after the JD(S) declared that it will set out on  a padayatra to press for execution of Mekedatu project. But, the deadly COVID pandemic has raised its ugly head once again with cases rising exponentially across the state in the past 5-6days, causing widespread concerns among the public.

As such, the Congress should consider postponing its 10-day Mekedatu Padayatra that starts from Jan.9, taking into account the health and safety of the people.

Cautioning that any padayatra at this point of time  may lead to another  health crisis, he reiterated that the Congress should postpone its Padayatra for the sake of public health and well-being, the statement said.