Silvester D’ Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, May 10: “I became the state president of INTUC after shouldering several important responsibilities in the organistaion. Congress party has provided me an opportunity to contest from Kundapur. I have united the party already by being in the constituency. I have understood the problems of people here. The MLA who represented the constituency for the last fifteen years has not performed expected work. Voters are of the opinion that they need the MLA who mixes with people and raises his voice in the Vidhana Saudha about the problems faced by them. Therefore, I am confident that the people in Kundapur will support me,” said Kundapur Congress candidate Rakesh Malli.

Speaking at a news conference in Kundapur private hospital, he said that Kundapur is the place where he was given first opportunity. “The constituency is not developed in expected terms. I have stayed in Kundapur since the last six months. People have showed their love towards me and the party has given me an opportunity. I will not go anywhere else whether I win or lose. I will remain here serving people till my last breadth.

“The failure of past MLA is my gain. Besides that, chief minister Siddaramaiah in the state has provided excellent governance. He has implemented several schemes for workers. He has stressed for basic necessities. All those will yield fruit. I will show my performance if I get the blessings of the people.

“Drinking water problem is acute here. The situation is such that one has to drink salt water for tea. Roads, development of tourism and support to sports are my priorities. Several educated young people are jobless. My aim is to get employment to them.

“I am facing this election in the guidance of Congress leader Oscar Fernandes, in the leadership of Vidhana Parishad member Pratapchandra Shetty and with the cooperation of all senior party leaders. Excellent atmosphere is created in the constituency and we see positive development,” he said.

Campaign committee president Vikas Hegde said that they have remained powerful even after the defeat of Pratapchandra Shetty. “We experienced set back only twice last time. Pratapchandra Shetty has asked in the Vidhan Parishad when the women’s police station in Udupi was removed. The petition about it is still valid. Our campaign for it has continued. Besides that, Pratapchandra Shetty has provided funds to local bodies in equal measures. The MLA has not brought more than statutory funds for the constituency. Only Siddaramaiah led government is responsible for any development here,” he said.

Kundapur Block president Malyadi Shivarama Shetty, Kota Block president Shanker Kunder, backward class group’s vice president Manigopala, IT cell’s Chandrashekar Shetty, Vinod Crasta, state INTUC vice-president Rahim Puttaswamy and chief secretary Suresh were present.