Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 1: Raghupathi Bhat, expelled BJP leader and an independent candidate from South West Graduates, asserted, "I have not encountered 'Go Back' sloganeering in my career."

"At my stage of life, it's not appropriate to withdraw from the electoral process. There hasn't been any negativity directed towards me. Voters have not ignored me, and neither representatives opposed me nor did people raise 'Go back' slogans against me. However, despite the absence of such dissent, the ticket was awarded to candidates from another constituency, despite their history of 'Go back' sloganeering," Raghupathi Bhat taking a swipe at union minister Shobha Karandlaje.

Responding to B L Santhosh's remark about him being "glued to power," the former MLA of Udupi Raghupathi Bhat remarked, "B L Santhosh's statement likely applies to many. Candidates aged above 70 and those who have previously lost elections have been fielded in Lok Sabha elections. He may have even directed it towards leaders aspiring to be Chief Minister or whose sons aspire to be state presidents."

"I've been canvassing in educational institutions to garner votes for the upcoming election on June 3rd. It's heartening to note that voters recognize me without any introduction. As an active elected representative, voters are also aware of my achievements as an MLA," he said.

"This election isn't a battle between BJP or Congress; it's about an individual's accomplishments. It's disheartening that the ticket was denied to me at the eleventh hour without prior notice. While certain criteria may exist for candidates, it's perplexing that the ticket was granted to a recent party entrant who once opposed and stood against the Parivar," lamented Raghupathi Bhat.

"In this election, party symbols hold no significance, and it won't impact the party. The election won't determine the formation of the government," he said.