Karnataka News Highlights: State records 233 new Covid cases, 6 deaths; no tax increase, Rs 1,000 cr for Mekedatu project in budget

Congress leaders at a mass rally on the grounds of the National College in Bengaluru on Thursday

One day before the budget session of the Karnataka assembly, the Congress Mekedatu march ends

Congress’s Mekedatu march, or “walk for water,” which demanded the implementation of a reservoir project to boost drinking water supply to Karnataka’s capital and surrounding areas, concluded on Thursday with a massive rally on the grounds of the National College in Bengaluru.

Former Prime Minister Siddaramaiah denounced the state government, saying it did not have the guts to ask the Center to carry out the project. Congressional state president DK Shivakumar said more than 10 cases had been registered by the BJP government for conducting a public cause march.

While March’s first leg attracted much attention amid rising Covid-19 cases, some congressional leaders were unhappy with Shivakumar’s decision to start the second leg from Sunday. An organizer of the march said: “The purpose of holding the march was to pressure the government and build a narrative, especially in southern Karnataka in the run-up to next year’s parliamentary elections. However, the prevailing Russia-Ukraine crisis, where Karnataka students are stranded, has received all the media attention.” The march could have resumed after the budget session that started Friday.

Ahead of Karnataka’s budget, petition demands reduced rate on BMTC buses

Ahead of Karnataka’s budget on March 4, Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike (BBPV), a public transport advocacy group, petitioned Prime Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Transport Minister B Sriramulu to allocate Rs 1000 crore annually to the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). ) so that bus fares can be reduced for the general public and free for women, transgenders and seniors. The petition has gathered more than 6,500 signatures.