Bengaluru: The five-day padayatra demanding immediate implementation of the contentious Mekedatu project culminated here last night with a massive rally and a meeting at the National College Grounds.

The Congress had launched the 165-km ‘Namma Neeru Namma Hakku’ (our water, our right) padayatra on Jan. 9 and it was originally scheduled to end on Jan. 19. However, the party was forced to halt it temporarily amid rising COVID cases in the State and a rap from the High Court. The ‘padayatra 2.0’ resumed last Sunday and covered a total distance of 79.8 kilometres.

The padayatra badly hit traffic in Bengaluru, choking roads and causing snarls that lasted four hours and more in some areas.

Putting up a united front, with all the senior leaders making their presence in front of thousands of party workers and leaders, the party announced that Mekedatu would be the first project to be implemented when the party comes to power.

Addressing the media, Leader of Opposition and former CM Siddharamaiah claimed that the ruling BJP is disturbed as the padayatra has been successful.

KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar said the padayatra is only the first phase in their fight for water.

“When the party comes to power, Mekedatu will be the first to be implemented to ensure water for people,” said AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, setting the tone for the road ahead. “The BJP has let down Karnataka. The double engine                                                    Government has committed double fraud on the State. This is not a political fight, but a commitment. Why has the BJP not approved the project yet?” he asked.

The Mekedatu multi-purpose (drinking and power) project involves building a reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district. This is being objected to by neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The estimated Rs. 9,000-crore project once completed is aimed at ensuring drinking water to Bengaluru and neighbouring areas and it can also generate 400MW of power.

The padayatra is also seen as an attempt by the Opposition party to consolidate Vokkaliga votes in Old Mysuru region, keeping in mind BBMP elections and the 2023 Assembly polls. The rally covered about 19 Assembly  Constituencies in the city.