Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 2: MP Nalin Kumar Kateel inaugurated newly appointed Dakshina Kannada district BJP office bearers' oath taking ceremony at Town Hall here on Saturday,July 2.

After inaugurating the occasion MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said "It is the responsibility of the newly appointed office bearers of the Dakshina Kannada district BJP to take the party ahead. When the BJP lost 7 out of 8 constituencies in 2013 Assembly elections, some people criticised BJP party. Later when party Prathap Simha Nayak was made president of BJP Dakshina Kannada and within span of 6 months BJP won Lok Sabha elections with huge majority. In three years of Simha's tenure BJP won Lok Sabha, Gram, Taluk and Zilla Panchayat elections in the district despite the Congress having 4 ministers in the district. And BJP once again showed that Dakshina Kannada is in stronghold of BJP,"

"Newly appointed president Sanjeeva Matandur worked in various positions in party with responsibility . He has also toured all the constituencies of Dakshina Kannada. As there are achievements, there is also a challenge. There will be Assembly elections in the next 2 years. We hope that this appointed new team will win all the 8 constituencies in Dakshina Kannada for BJP. Once again we will show that Dakshina Kannada is stronghold of BJP. Congress in the state has already reached intensive care unit (ICU) and next level is to coma. Fight within the Congress party will itself finish the party in the state." Kateel added.

Former president of Dakshina Kannada BJP Prathap Simha Nayak handed over the BJP flag to newly appointed president Sanjeeva Matandur.

Prathap Simha Nayak speaking on this occasion said "My tenure as the district president for 3 years was a special responsibility. There is an atmosphere of change in the entire nation. People who live in every corner of villages in the district have hope on BJP. Let us work for next elections and bring back BJP into power with taking everyone into confidence."

Newly appointed president Sanjeeva Matandur said “The position as president for BJP Dakshina Kannada is not a power but it is a responsibility to take party forward. The party has grown to such extent today because of the sacrifice of many eminent leaders who worked sincerely for the party. When we work for the party sincerely, we show respect for those who served for party without any expectation. Our aim should be to win all 8 constituencies in 2018 elections. There are 1,40,000 registered members in the party in district. I am ready to work for 18 hours for the growth of the party, I also request party workers to be ready for hard work.

MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik also spoke on this occasion.

Zilla Panchayat president Meenakshi Shanthigodu, vice president Kasturi Panja and deputy mayor Sumitra Kariya were present among others. On this occasion newly appointed office bearers were honoured.