Akhila Karnataka Gadi Horata Samiti members made a futile bid to picket City Railway Station on Sunday to protest against Railway Minister Lalu Prasad  for his alleged remarks against Kannadigas.

The railway police, who had made elaborate security arrangements to thwart any untoward incident, prevented protesters from entering the station. The stir, however, did not affect the train services.

Police took over 70 persons into custody and released them later. Addressing demonstrators, former MLA Vatal Nagaraj said the Railway Board had adopted an anti-Kannadiga stand to facilitate candidates of other states in railway jobs.

The Central government is meting out injustice to Karnataka while awarding the railway projects to different states, Mr Vatal Nagaraj said. 

The Central government should set right the disparities and complete the incomplete railway projects in the state on a priority basis, he urged and demanded the more funds in the coming railway budget for the state.
However, the protesters burnt an effigy of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in front of the station.