Chikkamagaluru: Hundreds of BJP workers took out a padayatra from Aldur to Chikkamagaluru, covering nearly 20 km, to protest against the poor condition of roads in the district.Auto drivers, planters and members of the public also participated in the padayatra.Protesters alleged that roads in rural areas had turned into a nightmare for commuters. They raised slogans against Mudigere MLA Nayana Motamma, Sringeri MLA TD Rajegowda and the Congress-led state govt.The Chikkamagaluru-Balehonnur road, which connects major pilgrim centres such as Sringeri and Hornadu and passes through Aldur, is in a dilapidated condition, protesters alleged. Several bikers have sustained injuries after falling due to potholes, they claimed.As a mark of protest, participants planted banana saplings on the pothole-ridden stretch and counted potholes.Speaking on the occasion, MLC CT Ravi said, “If the problems aren’t addressed, the protest will be extended to every village. Lakhs of people visit temple towns of Sringeri and Hornadu with much difficulty. Though Sringeri MLA TD Rajegowda and MLC Aarathi Krishna commute on this stretch regularly, they have failed to resolve the issue. This padayatra is just the beginning,” he said.BJP leader Deepak Doddaiah said almost all roads in Mudigere and Sringeri constituencies are in the worst condition. “Despite several requests, the MLAs have failed to take up work.”
