Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/EP)
Udupi, Oct 10: "JDS follows me wherever I go. In the last elections, there was a Congress and JDS coalition, and this time there is a BJP-JDS coalition. So, I am used to wearing the shawl," said former minister and Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha ticket aspirant Pramod Madhwaraj.
Speaking at the Udupi Patrika Bhavan, he emphasized that there's no fault in aspiring for a ticket. "Everyone enters politics with ambitions. I announced 3-4 months ago that I am a ticket aspirant. There are eight Vidhan Sabha constituencies in the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency, so a minimum of 24 months is needed for visits to activists. I am visiting Shakti Kendra and meeting with party leaders already. I am ready to work as an activist even if the party issues tickets to others. The ticket was announced for me at the last minute last time, so I didn't have time to visit party workers. That's why I've started visiting activists early this time. I will remain in the BJP until my last breath," he stated.
Regarding guarantee schemes, he expressed his view that guarantees are good for social development but a substantial amount would be used from the state's treasury for them, leaving no funds for development work. "MLAs have also not received any packages so far. A minimum amount should be released for them. Karnataka used to lead in financial management in the country, but now there's a fear that it might deteriorate due to guarantee schemes. When we approach people, they ask for roads, electricity, drainage, water, and more, but no funds have been allocated for them so far," he explained.