Bengaluru: The State government has slapped FIR against Congress leaders for embarking on Mekedatu Padayatra 2.0 demanding implementation of the Mekedatu drinking water project. 
For violating Covid guidelines, police have registered a case against Congress leaders. The government had issued Covid guidelines banning Padayatra, protests, gatherings, and public meetings during third wave of Covid pandemic. The said guidelines are still in force. 

Congress leaders have asserted that they will not deter with government's decision of registering FIR.  Congress leaders Padayatra has entered its second day. KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar and Opposition leader Siddaramaiah have begun their march from Bannandur.
Congress cut the five-day Padayatra to three days due to the budget session. On March 3, the protest march will reach the National College Grounds in Basavangudi in Bengaluru, where it will become an open gathering.
Murugharajendra Swamiji, a prominent Lingayat seer, joined the Padayatra on day two. He joined the march and expressed his support. DK Shivakumar, President of the KPCC, said Swamiji's backing gave them a huge boost in their fight for a quick implementation of the project.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the Mekedatu Padayatra was organized for political gain by Congress. "There is no need to pay any importance to it," he told reporters in Hubballi before heading for Belagavi. CM Bommai further remarked that, despite the fact that the party leaders are aware of the project's reality, they are on a padayatra for political advantage. When they were in power, Congress leaders failed to prepare even the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR). People are wondering what role Congress leaders played in the Mekedatu project. he said.