Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Apr 20: JD(S) youth district president Akshith Suvarna criticized party members who have defected to the Congress and emphasized that the JD(S) has opted to join the NDA alliance to foster national development.

Addressing the media on Saturday, April 20 at Hotel Woodland, Mangaluru, JD(S) Youth District President Akshith Suvarna stated, "H. D. Deve Gowda and H. D. Kumaraswamy have made the decision to join the NDA alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a globally recognized leader, and therefore, the JD(S) stands with them. We are pleased that Capt Brijesh Chowta, a seasoned veteran who has served the country, has been selected from our district. We believe he will contribute to the district's development and bring forth numerous projects to enhance revenue. Our Yuva Janata Dal is aligned with the BJP, and we have commenced campaigning with them, conducting extensive booth-level election campaigns."

In response to media inquiries regarding JD(S) members defecting to the Congress, Akshith Suvarna commented, "The Congress party has not disclosed the identities of those who have joined publicly. Only 2-3 JD(S) members have joined the Congress, contrary to the exaggerated claim of 40 members made by the Congress party."

When questioned about JD(S) leaders' previous criticism of the BJP party and their alignment with the NDA Alliance, Akshith Suvarna responded, "We are part of the NDA Alliance, and although there have been disagreements in the past, we are committed to supporting both parties and addressing our differences."

Regarding concerns about a sudden shift in ideology and the timing of announcing support just two days before elections, Suvarna stated, "In politics, people switch parties frequently, and the public is aware of the political history. Supporting a party with a different approach to a situation is not uncommon. We have been supporting the BJP party from day one, and we have actively campaigned in constituencies where we have a strong presence."

Regarding Nazeer Ullal's support for the Congress party and Biruver Kudla leaders' dissatisfaction over not meeting Prime Minister Modi, Akshith Suvarna remarked, "After Nazeer Ullal's statements, it is challenging to determine our next steps. However, we remain committed to our secular values. BJP leaders like Sathish Kumpala, Dr Bharath Shetty, and Vedavyas Kamath have consistently supported us. As for Biruver Kudla, I prefer not to comment. While I belong to the Billawa community, if they have not mentioned my name, it is not my place to speak on the matter."

Responding to a question about the significant presence of the Billawa community in the last elections and the allocation of tickets to Billawa candidates by both BJP and Congress this time, Suvarna said, "As a member of the Billawa community, we strive for unity. Our community has grown significantly, and today, our presence is strong in every booth."