Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 5: "Both BJP and Congress have chosen good candidates for the MLC polls. My request to voters is to vote for the right candidate, not based on party name, but on individual merit," said former BJP leader and ex-MLA of Udupi Raghupati Bhat on Thursday in Udupi.

Speaking to reporters at his residence about the ongoing MLC polls, Bhat, whose supporters hold a decisive role in the elections despite his expulsion from BJP for contesting as an independent in the Legislative Council Graduate Constituency, emphasized the importance of voting based on the candidate's qualifications.

"Voting in the Legislative Council elections should not be based on party affiliation but rather on individual merit," Bhat said. He refrained from openly seeking support for BJP in the MLC elections, stating, "I will ask for support for BJP in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, but this is a different election. It does not decide governments. We must select candidates who understand the coastal region's problems."

Bhat acknowledged that BJP had fielded a strong candidate by giving an opportunity to a young person. He also appreciated the Congress candidate, noting their experience as a former Zilla Panchayat president and cooperative leader.

When asked about rejoining BJP, Bhat clarified, "I haven't been contacted by anyone. No one has invited me back to the party. I am focused on my social work. The BJP membership drive is ongoing, and I have registered by giving a missed call. There are no restrictions on this." He added that it was up to local leaders to approve his membership.

Reflecting on the MLC candidate selection, Bhat stated that in the previous Legislative Council Graduate Constituency election, the selection process was flawed, leading to his decision to contest independently. "The coastal region lacked representation, and senior leaders were overlooked," he said. However, this time, he expressed satisfaction with the party’s choice of a candidate from a backward community. "I respect this decision. Many have voiced that Nalin Kumar Kateel should have been given an opportunity, but from the outside, I see no fault in the candidate selection."

Bhat concluded by saying, "If the party calls me, I am ready to rejoin. Since I haven't received an invitation, I have remained quiet."