Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KM)

Mangalore, Sep 27: "A few persons are trying to confuse voters in the ward number: 35, Padavu central ward in order to divert public's attention away from Mariamma Thomas mainly for political gain, Sudhakar Jogi, supporter of Mariamma Thomas alleged at the press club here on Thursday September 27.

With special reference to the media reports, Jogi said that the reports are far away from the facts; Ganesh K will support Mariamma Thomas in the election campaign. Mariamma Thomas will not represent any political party rather she would contest the election as an independent candidate. 

"Monappa Bhandary has been spreading rumours that I have been supported by some priests who have ordered the devotees to support me.  But this is baseless. I have no support from either priests or political party as it said, it is the people of the ward who have selected me and campaigning vigorously,' Mariamma Thomas said.

The strong support by the people in the ward has stunned the other candidates representing various political parties.  "Some parties which have been trying to divide the votes on the basis of religion and other sensitive feelings are now stunned to see the support received by me,” she justified. 

Terming Mariamma Thomas 'a choice of people,' Jogi stated people in the ward cutting across the barriers of caste and religion are supporting her. This has indeed disturbed the opponents, but it is the prediction of future that Mariamma would win. 

Champa Srinivas, Ganesh K and Stanly D'Souza were present at the press conference.