Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup (JD)
Kaup, Jul 30: Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty recently addressed the media persons to counter allegations made by his political opponent, Vinay Kumar Sorake. “Vinay Kumar Sorake is desperate after two consecutive defeats,” Shetty stated.
Shetty, who has been in business for 40 years, defended himself against Sorake's claims. “We need to develop a habit to consider both the winning and losing equally. My political life and business life have been an open book. I do not have anything to gain for my business from politics. When Vinay Kumar Sorake initiated a 500-houses project, where is it now? Where did it go? He also declared a Rs 130 crore fund for the town municipality,” Shetty said.
He advised Sorake to continue in politics as long as he has the strength and energy. “During Sorake's previous election, he emotionally manipulated the public by claiming it would be his last election. I respect Sorake’s long political career and experience, and I was the first to offer condolences when Sorake lost his ministerial position, though I still do not understand why he lost his ministerial role.”
Shetty addressed Sorake’s claim about a shortage of funds for MLAs, stating, “The financial advisor of the chief minister and many senior MLAs have also opined similarly. Several Congress MLAs have expressed the same opinion. Let us speak on factual matters. Recently, Fisheries Minister Mankal Vaidya visited Nadipatna on my request and granted an immediate fund of Rs 1 crore for road work. I should not hide this. Sorake is interrupting the administration and threatening government officials with transfers if they do not comply. I have raised this issue with the government. I want to build a developed Kaup constituency and am visiting all the ministers individually with my memorandum.”
Shetty expressed disappointment over Sorake's false allegations, stating, “This twin district has seen many stalwart politicians and model politics beyond party obligations. I wanted to follow that path. But Sorake's false allegations left me with no option but to call this media briefing today.”
In response to accusations about his participation in religious activities, Shetty said, “Gandhiji sang ‘Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram’ and conducted the freedom movement. Siddaramaiah dances today; what does Sorake have to say about this? I have been in business for 40 years and have no illegal dealings. Politics is not my livelihood. What does Sorake do for a living?”
Former MLA Lalaji R Mendon, Kaup BJP president Jitendra Shetty, and other party leaders including Prakash Shetty, Geetanjali Suvarna, Gopalakrishna Rao, Sharan Kumar Mattu, and Anil Kumar were present at the briefing.