Mathai to lead cycle jaatha for Sakala

BENGALURU: In a novel protest for not being provided transport facility as well as to popularise the Sakala government scheme, a cycle jaatha is being organised K Mathai, the administrator of Karnataka Sakala Mission, on Sunday morning.

Mathai, a senior KAS officer, will lead the jaatha that will begin at the main entrance of Kanteerava Stadium on Kasturba Road at 7.30 am. More than 300 cyclists wearing Sakala embeded T-shirts are expected to participate in the jaatha. The rally will cover a distance of 10 kilometres on a scheduled route and culminate at Kanteerava Stadium.

Mathai drew the attention of many by peddling for 30 kms from his residence near Rajanukunte on the outskirts of the city to his office in MS Building, as a token of protest against his higher authorities. The senior officials had not paid for the vehicle provided to Mathai for 11 months resulting in the withdrawal of the vehicle by the service provider in August.

Considering his safety, Mathai began commuting by public transport. Now, he has decided to take out a cycle jaatha to protest the alleged non-cooperation for the effective implementation of the Sakala sceme. The other intention behind the rally is giving publicity to the programme. This is the first time such an initiative is being taken up in the state, a source said.

A few days back, Mathai had requested cycling enthusiasts to join his cause and as many as 300 cyclists enrolled their names with the Sakala Mission.