Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 2: Amrith Shenoy, the independent candidate contesting from Udupi Lok Sabha constituency said that he is not contesting against the Congress but against the JD(S) candidate.
Addressing a press meet on Tuesday, April 2, he asserted that he put in hard work to build Congress in Udupi. “I am contesting as an independent candidate in the Lok Sabha election not against the Congress, but against JD(S) candidate. We opposed the decision of Congress high command of handing over Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency to JD(S). Immediately, I met KPCC level members to convince them the same. JD(S) showing its helplessness said they do not have a single candidate. Instead of fighting with JD(S) or convincing the KPCC leaders, Pramod Madhwaraj approached JD(S) and got ticket as their candidate. He did not think about future of Congress,” Shenoy lashed out.
“Those who like my social service have supported me to contest in the election. We are the ground level workers and know the pulse of the public. Congress high command took a decision without taking the opinion of district level leaders. That hurt me. There is no need of collecting opinion of party workers while taking party decisions. But when it comes to the selection of a party candidate, why have they neglected party leaders. Today I am facing many charges because I spoke against BJP in heat of the moment in a public meeting,” he said.
“As an independent candidate, no one will question me. I will work towards maintaining social harmony and the development. People must accept me as public property and I will work for the betterment of society,” he said.
Shenoy also revealed the failures of sitting MP Shobha Karandlaje and union government. He criticized BJP with regard to the Rafale deal of NDA government, effect of demonetisation, lack of job opportunities, fake promises and so on.
“BJP is upholding religious differences with Hindutva. This should be stopped. If I win the LS election, I will work for public as a servant. Though there are advanced technologies in country, the union government has failed to locate the Suvarna Tribuja boat along with seven fishermen of Malpe,” he said.
“Prime Minister Modi has failed to tackle unemployment and generate new job opportunities. The government announced package for coffee growers. Coastal area people are facing sand scarcity. No one is getting jobs. If the same situation continues in the district, definitely, youngsters will migrate to other cities in search of job,” he said.
Regarding his resignation as AICC member he said that so far no one asked him about it. “I have asked for some time to take decision over my AICC membership. Congress government started celebrating 30 ‘Jayantis’ in the state. Tipu Jayanti is one among them. Pramod did not attend a single Tipu Jayanti when he was the MLA of Udupi. Instead Pramod gave statement against Tipu Jayanti. Now it is time to decide, who is really against principles of Congress party.” he said.