Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)

Udupi, Apr 10: MLA Raghupati Bhat spoke to media in the city on Monday and gave clarifications on the speculations that are making rounds in the BJP circles of the constituency.

Rumours are rife that the BJP is planning to give party ticket to a Brahmin candidate in Kundapur constituency, and hence Bhat might not get the nod in Udupi.

Bhat said, “I have faith in my party. I am confident that the BJP leadership will give the election ticket to me. I have been MLA three times and never got defeated. It is only in media, speculations are discussed. At party level, no discussion to this effect is held.

“I will not miss the ticket just because I am a Brahmin. Our party follows national ideology. It will not select candidate based on caste. Our party has followed Hindutva. In the BJP, I am not a case candidate. I am current MLA.

“Though I am a Brahmin, our constituency has people of other communities in large numbers. The number of Billawas and Bunts is huge. Brahmins are only few. I have been given the seat so far because I am a loyal worker of the party.

“If the party wants to make changes in Kundapur constituency, then it should think of selecting a Brahmin candidate. I am confident that the party will not take any decision in changing my candidature. No one looks the caste of the candidate in Udupi. Even if two Brahmins are given tickets, no one will object. Giving opportunity to a good worker of the party is an experiment. The BJP does not experiment in a haphazard manner. It supports a person who has done good work in his constituency. I am confident that I will not face any issues. I am an optimist, a sitting MLA, who has not tasted defeat even once. I am confident of getting the BJP party ticket,” he said.