Mangalore: AAP rubbishes allegations against M R Vasudeva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Mar 18: In the wake reports in a section of the media alleging that Aam Aadmi Lok Sabha candidate M R Vasudeva had past affiliations to RSS and that he was involved in issues related to rehabilitation of those displaced during Mangalore airport expansion, the AAP on Tuesday March 18 dismissed the charges and said the allegations were 'unsubstantiated and speculative'.
In a press release, the AAP stated:
"Some news items on March 17 regarding M R Vasudeva, Aam Aadmi Party candidate for the Lok Sabha elections, made some serious allegations based on unsubstantiated and speculative comments that originated by an individual.
"Some of these allegations do not apply to any actions taken by M R Vasudeva, others are not based on facts and tantamount to slander and defamation of an outstanding and respected member of our society. When an individual reports such allegations to the press and is subsequently reported and attributed to the individual, that individual is liable to face a libel suit. Mentioning past involvement at an early stage of M R Vasudeva’s life as a current association as a headline is inappropriate sensationalizing and a misrepresentation of his current affiliations. Besides being the Aam Aadmi Party candidate, M R Vasudeva has and has had numerous associations with a variety of organizations and has provided a full disclosure of the same to the party.
"The following are responses to issues raised:
- All rehabilitation cases concerning the upgrading the Mangalore Airport were handled by the Govt. of Karnataka and not by the Airport Authority of India which is a Central Govt. undertaking. Consequently the rehabilitation was done by the State Government. Attributing any issues to M R Vasudeva is not fair. Any allegations regarding this matter should be referred to the State.
- M R Vasudeva has never asked any party to approve his candidature for Lok Sabha. However national parties had approached him for his support and be associated with them. Which he declined. Subsequently, he was approached by representatives of the Aam Aadmi Party and he applied. He was accepted and was invited to stand as the Lok Sabha candidate of the Dakshina Kannada district.
- His association with organizations such as RSS, Bharat Seva Dal as an adolescent is inconsequential.
- As the former director of the Mangalore International Airport, he established associations and developed relationships with members of all parties and several dignitaries.
"There is no rift in the AAP regarding his candidature. If any dissent exists it is because we are a vibrant democratic party and allow party members to voice their individual opinions. However, as a party we stand united. Any clarification regarding party matters from the party will be provided by the candidate himself or by Nandagopal, who is the official spokesperson and responsible for media relations."