Bidar: In the first protest during his "Bharat Uday Yatra", Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today (March 16, 2004) had to face a black flag demonstration by Janata Dal - Secular (JD-S) activists at Dhamidaba, about 25 km away from Humnabad.

About 50 JD-S activists who had taken shelter in hotels and other places took the security personnel by surprise waving black flag when the motorcade of Advani reached the place en route to Humnabad.

The protesters led by Vikram patil, son of JD-S leader Vaijnath Patil, shouted slogans against Advani to protest the Centre's refusal to grant special powers to North Karnataka region amending Article 371 of the Constitution.

Police swung into action and arrested the agitators and ensured smooth passage for the Yatra.

Police had already taken Vaijanath Patil and another JD-S leader C Gurunath along with their supporters into custody to thwart their attempts to block the Yatra.

Advani addressed a public meeting and wound up his five-day electioneering in Karnataka.