Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, June 8: KPCC vice-president and newly elected MLC, Ivan D'Souza, didn't mince words as he took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging his mixing of religion and politics, stating, "Modi raised the Rama Mandir issue and he mixed religion with politics and now his supporters have told him to go back."
Speaking to media persons on Saturday, June 8, D'Souza remarked, "Since my work revolves around addressing the ideas of the Congress party to the media, that's the reason why I conduct many press meets. I have been selected as MLC for the second time. Only 11 members had filed their nominations and my name was declared only later. That's the reason why I have come back to the Congress office after winning. Many party members have congratulated me so far and today the Congress party and I.N.D.I.A bloc is quite strong. The BJP has lost its majority and the voters did not a majority to any party. The lies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood exposed and was not successful in fooling the people. Modi raised the Rama Mandir issue and he mixed religion with politics and now his supporters have told him to go back."
He further stated, "The I.N.D.I.A bloc has polled more votes than estimated by exit polls. The alliance today has become the common man's alliance. During elections, the BJP never cared about its alliance partners and they have troubled many opposition parties by freezing their bank accounts and by using agencies such as ED, CBI. The people have decided to not elect BJP this time. I would like to ask on what basis Narendra Modi has been selected as the leader of the NDA. The Congress party has secured 9 seats in Karnataka and we had expected to get more seats but in areas such as Mysuru the combination of JD(S) and BJP has helped them. We will immediately work on winning the hearts of people and contest for MCC and panchayat elections. We will plan for the next elections and we will try to boost the confidence among our party members and we will fully cooperate with our seniors."
Responding to questions about his previous election ticket denial and the current scenario, D'Souza explained, "I have stood for elections many times and I have lost in most of them. Even after losing so many times, I had consistently worked for the party. When I entered the Legislative Council, I myself got in every discussion and my attendance was 100% for which I was also awarded. This time, the Congress party made me an All India secretary and appointed me as in-charge of elections. I have worked in the North East this time and I'm happy to say that the Congress party has won many places in the North East."
Addressing queries regarding the Congress party's performance in Dakshina Kannada, he emphasised his commitment to the region, stating, "There are many changes in Dakshina Kannada and I am fully committed to supporting my party. When I was a minister, I had brought the Chief Minister's relief funds and I used to give it to people regardless of which caste or community they belonged to. We will try to capture the hearts of people in the next elections although we will not blame any individual since our vote share has significantly increased."
Regarding accountability for the party's losses, D'Souza remarked, "The task which was given to us is only to complete the task. The Congress party has sent youngsters to the parliament although I agree that we delayed in announcing the names of candidates for Graduates and Teachers' Constituency but we will work on correcting it in the next elections."
Harish Kumar, Ibrahim Kodijal, Sridhar, Ashraf, Shubhodaya Alva, and others were present.