Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Apr 16: "Vinay Kumar Sorake is the reason for Congress's decline in Udupi district. He has come from Puttur to Udupi and has finished the Congress party and its workers" accused Manjunath Poojary, Hebri block Congress former president and a ticket aspirant for Karkala constituency.
Addressing a press meet here, Manjunath Poojary said, "We had hoped for some changes after D K Shivakumar became the KPCC president. But today the real party workers who have worked for the party have been side-lined. People like Ashok Kumar have been ignored. D K Shivakumar accuses BJP of selling the nation but he himself has sold the party. In last five years, after the demise of Gopal Bhandary who built the party in Karkala, we had organized various programs by Congress and its leaders. But all over the state none of the party workers have been taken into consideration before giving tickets. They have sold the party for money.”
He further alleged, “Vinay Kumar Sorake is the reason for the differences among Pramod Madhwaraj, Jayaprakash Hege and other leaders. Neither he nor the party will win any seats in the district. BJP has chosen new candidates, so why do these people need tickets again in Kaup, even after enjoying power for such a long time?" he asked.
Poojary also criticized Uday Kumar Shetty and accused him of annihilating the party. "During the election of Gopal Bhandary, he promoted his followers to vote for the BJP. Today, he has been given a ticket. On what basis has he been given a ticket? He has done shoddy work in the state. Only contractors are with him. DK Shivakumar will annihilate Congress in Karkala," he said.
Poojary announced that he will continue as a member of the party but will resign from the presidency of the Hebri block Congress. He criticized the screening committee and accused Uday Kumar Shetty of providing money to the committee member Mohan Prakash. "Rajendra Kumar is funding him. He should also be investigated," he said.
"I have invested my blood and sweat for the party. The high command has created problems in Karkala. Manjunath Bhandary, Rajendra Kumar, and Vinay Kumar Sorake have played the game," Poojary said.
"I will cast my vote for Congress. Rahul Gandhi is my leader. But I will not be participating in any campaign activities. I am a Congress member until my death. I wish Muniyal Udaykumar Shetty good luck, and I hope for Congress's win in Karkala. There is a direct adjustment between Sunil Kumar and DK Shivakumar. I do not fear both of them," he added.
In addition, Poojary has resigned from his position as the president of the Hebri block.