Bengaluru: Hours after the launch of Mekedatu padayatra, veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah returned to Bengaluru city, after complaining of fever.

The padayatra is being held by the Congress, demanding early implementation of the Mekedatu project, which has become a bone of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

It was launched this morning at Sangam, the confluence site of rivers Arkavathy and Cauvery, in the presence of senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and G Parameshwara.

In several videos doing rounds on social media, Siddaramaiah is seen complaining of fever due to Booster dose, which he had taken ahead of the padayatra to shield himself from Covid-19. Cases of the virus are vertically increasing everyday, especially in Bengaluru city.

Siddaramaiah is also seen, in several videos, boarding a car before leaving the padayatra site. According to party sources, the Opposition Leader is expected to return to the yatra, if health permits him. As of now, there is no word from the party about his return tomorrow.

Reacting to the incident, KPCC President DK Shivakumar said the septuagenarian, who has stents inserted in his arteries, was strained after he trekked the elevated launching site. "We had advised him not to trek the site," he added.

Not missing an opportunity to target the Congress for violating the Covid ban on political rallies, Karnataka BJP posted a tweet, asking the party whether the padayatra was meant for providing drinking water or spreading Covid in the state.

Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Govind Karjol advised the feverish Siddaramaiah to take rest, reminding him the value of good health.