Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Mar 13: “The Congress high command will decide if J P Hegde will be the Congress candidate for the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency. The selection of candidates is the prerogative of the Congress high command. Hegde, who was previously associated with the Congress, has re-joined the party. His return has further strengthened the Congress," said chief minister Siddaramaiah in Adi Udupi on Wednesday March 13.

Regarding the Modi government's decision to implement the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, he remarked, "The government introduced the CAA because of elections. Why did they not pass it earlier? Why were they silent all these years? The BJP has enacted it out of fear of electoral defeat.”

In response to a query from BJP MP Pratap Simha regarding being denied a Lok Sabha ticket, Siddaramaiah stated, "I have not met Karadi Sanganna. You should ask the BJP why they deprived Pratap Simha of his MP seat. You can also inquire with Pratap Simha himself. I am unaware of the situation. Pratap Simha did not contest against me; he was a Lok Sabha member. I do not know why the BJP made that decision.”