'At the 'padayatra', we get a close look at problems of people'

NL Narendra Babu is one of the few influential Congress legislators from Bangalore who can draw crowds in large numbers anywhere in the city. He comes from a rural background, but now represents an urban constituency. Narendra is part of the padayatra being taken out by the Congress to protest against the mining scam. The member of the legislative assembly from Mahalakshmi Layout tells Prahlad Rao that the padayatra is not new to him.

How has the walkathon been for an urban legislator like you?
Padayatra is not new to me. In 1982, I had walked for about 1,300 km along the coast on a religious mission. I have also taken part in many other small or big padayatras, like the 100 km Cauvery agitation.

What does this padayatra mean to you personally?
For the past one week, I have been able to talk to people and touch them. Many times, as a leader, you meet people and listen to their problems, but later forget about them. To be able to solve their problems, you need to be able to feel the difficult situation they are in. The padayatra helps us understand their problems better. This would not have been possible if one zoomed across Karnataka in a car.

Can you give our readers a specific example?
Two days ago, I stayed for a night at a house near Siddharabetta. I came to know about the place and also the problems the people there  faced, like the frequent attacks of wild bears. That’s  a problem we would not otherwise have learnt about.

What is the one thing this yatra will help you do?
The padayatra will help us come up with solutions for many problems faced by people. Most of the time, the problems are quite local, and leaders work elsewhere and do not quite understand them.  When you talk to party workers, they may not be able to tell you many things. But when you talk to people personally, you get to know their problems.

What is the mission of the padayatra?
It is intended to create awareness against corruption and about preserving democratic values. This is also about channelising the fire and energy of the youth. This is the time for them to show their commitment. This is like the second freedom movement for the young.

How will this padayatra benefit the Congress?
This will unite party workers and increase awareness about the need for vigilance against corrupt and illegal practices.

Have young legislators done anything for the padayatra?
This yatra is because of us. I was the one who said we should go on a padayatra. We were firm and Rahul Gandhi is there to guide us.