Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 16: The issue of adjustment politics in Udupi district's political landscape has once again sparked controversy. A photograph of a Youth Congress district president candidate meeting with BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna has been circulating on social media, fueling allegations of political maneuvering.
A few days ago, Arjun Nairy, a candidate for the Udupi district Youth Congress president post, met with BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna. Several photographs of Nairy with Suvarna were taken during the meeting. Now, some Congress party workers are sharing these images with captions accusing Nairy of seeking support from Suvarna for his bid in the Youth Congress elections.
The elections, conducted via the IYC app, are ongoing for a month. It is reported that five candidates have filed their nominations for the post of Udupi district Youth Congress president. With only five days remaining for the election, Nairy’s meeting with Suvarna has drawn criticism on social media, creating a stir within the Congress party.
Historically, Congress and BJP have been fierce rivals in Udupi district. However, the recent trend of political adjustments between leaders of both parties has become a model for young politicians. Some Congress members, now seen seeking support from BJP leaders in internal party elections, are embarrassed by this development. After the party’s poor performance in the last Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, questions about leadership remain a heated topic. Meanwhile, reports indicate that some ABVP workers have downloaded the Youth Congress membership app, further igniting debates.
Political thinkers in Udupi have long debated the issue of adjustment politics, and grassroots party workers are upset by this trend. The recent controversy, triggered by the photograph, has deepened dissatisfaction among Congress workers, who have expressed their frustrations in party WhatsApp groups and on social media.
Responding to the allegations, Yashpal Suvarna, MLA Udupi, stated, “During the Ganesh festival, members of the Uva Brahmavar team came to my office to invite me to their event. I don’t know who among them belongs to Congress or BJP. As an MLA, it is my duty to listen to the public. This is evident in the photograph. But now the photo is being circulated with misleading messages. Congress should clarify their stance in public if they believe this to be true. They are misguiding the public. If they have the courage, let them protest against their in-charge minister, who is not seen in the district.”