Daijworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 11: State BJP backward classes leader, Satyajith Suratkal, said that some vested interests have been indulging in his character assassination, as he has remained neutral without taking part in election process after BJP announced its candidate from city (north) constituency. "The people who are involved with backbiting should be prepared either for one-to-one debate with me or challenge me to take religious vows in the presence of deities of well-known divine centres of worship in the region to prove my honesty," he said.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday May 9, Satyajith refused to involve himself with controversy surrounding issuance of BJP ticket in city (north) constituency. Without naming BJP, he mentioned that efforts being made to sully his reputation are paining him. He said that although he has remained neutral, he has not been supporting anyone. "Hindutva continues to be in my blood and I will not get out of it. I will take a decision about my political future and involvement with organizations after May 20," he added.

Satyajith said he was an aspirant in this constituency and that having been constrained at not being issued a ticket, he had decided to remain aloof from campaigning. Noting that some perverted minds have been involved with his character assassination through social websites, he expressed his preparedness to give a fitting reply. "Some people have been accusing me of collecting money in issues like tollgate at Suratkal, fight against Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd and also getting funds from contract association and others. "This has hurt me greatly. The only asset I have is my house. Actually I have debts amounting to Rs 65 lac," he revealed.

Leaders, R N Shetty Kalavaru, John D'Souza, Sridhar, Anand and Prashanth were present at the press conference.