Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Apr 27: BJP leaders Sathish Kumpala and Capt Brijesh Chowta expressed gratitude to voters for turning out amid the heatwave to cast their ballots. They also conveyed confidence that the BJP stands a strong chance of returning to power.

Addressing the media on Saturday, April 27, at the Ocean Pearl Hotel in Mangaluru, BJP district president Sathish Kumpala said, "The voting was completed yesterday, and we are pleased with the support the voters have shown to the BJP party. We are also grateful that no mishaps occurred during the elections. The high voter turnout has brought us joy, and as the Prime Minister suggested, elections should be celebrated as a national festival. Despite the scorching sun, voters enthusiastically participated in this democratic festival. Approximately 29,000 voters above 85 years old cast their votes, contributing to the strengthening of democracy. We extend our gratitude to all party members who assisted us during the elections. Both present and former MLAs and MLCs actively participated in the campaigning efforts. Additionally, we were honoured to host star campaigners such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Devendra Fadnavis, Malvika, Bharathi Shetty, Annamalai, Nalin Kumar Kateel, B Y Vijayendra, and others, who campaigned for us and motivated party members."

"Party members such as Nithin Kumar, Capt Ganesh Karnik, and all the senior party members have provided invaluable assistance. With over 1.3 million votes cast, even our party members campaigned tirelessly, aiding people despite the scorching sun. Capt. Brijesh Chowta personally visited every booth, and we anticipate favourable outcomes. We are confident that Capt Brijesh Chowta will secure victory by a significant margin," he concluded.

Also present on this occasion, BJP MP candidate Capt Brijesh Chowta extended his gratitude to the voters and remarked, "The elections in Dakshina Kannada were a success, and I congratulate all those who supported us in spreading Prime Minister Modi's message. I express my thanks to the Police department and staff appointed from various other districts. Tulunadu is the land of seekers of truth and justice. When I approached women voters, I urged them to take responsibility for standing with Narendra Modi, and I am pleased to see that women turned out in record numbers to cast their votes."

He continued, "I believe that the image of Dakshina Kannada has been tarnished by the Congress party and other fringe elements. In order to address this issue and eradicate stereotypes about Dakshina Kannada, we will be instituting an award in the name of senior journalist Manohar Prasad. This award will be presented in the category of 'Right Portrayal of Dakshina Kannada'. I strongly believe that the voice of the people should reach the masses; otherwise, fringe elements will exploit them to serve their personal agendas."

When the media asked questions about whether the party was satisfied with the voter turnout, Sathish Kumpala responded, "We have exerted maximum effort, and we are content with the results thus far. Our party members have been instrumental in assisting us at every booth."

Regarding the high turnout of women voters, Sathish Kumpala remarked, "The population of women in Dakshina Kannada has significantly increased, and we are pleased to see women actively participating in the democratic process."

When questioned about whether caste politics had disrupted the BJP's vote bank, Capt Brijesh Chowta commented, "The people of the district were well aware of whom they were voting for. On one side, they had Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and on the other side, they were familiar with the other candidates. Consequently, there was no confusion among the public regarding whom to vote for, and this will become evident when the results are announced."

Capt Ganesh Karnik, Nithin Kumar, Premananda Shetty and others were present.