Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 9: Sri Laxmivarateertha Swamijii of Shiroor Math, who said that he is expecting ticket from BJP to fight the coming assembly election, asserted that even if he fails to get the ticket, he would enter the fray as an independent candidate from the local constituency.

The Swamiji spoke to the media persons after offering puja at Vadabhandeshwara Balarama temple at Malpe on Sunday April 8. He said he had offered prayers to the elder brother of Lord Krishna seeking to facilitate spreading of awareness among voters and invoking divine grace to increase voter turnout to 100 percent. Noting that BJP had not finalized candidates many of its constituencies in the state, he said he was waiting to get ticket from that party.

"My thrust will be on development with emphasis on rural development. The people need to choose people who are able to achieve development. I will begin campaigning only after the list of candidates is finalized. At present, because of election code of conduct, electioneering is difficult now," he explained.

The Swamiji said that for anything, God's grace is the topmost requirement. About the opinion of Pejavar Math Swamiji about his political move, he said that Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji is his guide and Guru and that he welcomes whatever the Swamiji says as he treats him as his elder brother.

JD(U) district president, Rajeev Kotian, said that he has been in constant touch with Shiroor Swamiji and that he had offered to field him as candidate of his party. He however expressed frustration at the Swamiji's decision to fight as independent candidate if he does not get BJP ticket. He however said he will still work for the Swamiji's victory in the election.