Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Dec 24: Independent candidate in the Legislative Council election from the twin districts of Dakshina and Udupi Jayaprakash Hegde on Thursday, December 24 said that some leaders have been misleading voters claiming that their choices would be known, and made it clear that as it is a secret ballot, voters are free to vote for anyone without fear of being identified.

"Some leaders have given misleading statements that it would be known who the voter has voted for. Gram panchayat members are free to vote for any candidate of their choice in the secret ballot voting. There is no party symbol for any candidate. There will be booth wise counting," J P Hegde said, addressing a press meet here.

"I have got positive response from voters. No one has asked me any negative questions. But Pratapchandra Shetty (Congress candidate) had to face questions from party workers as to why he had been inactive so far. I am fighting this election on principles. I do not want to criticize any one. I will only provide answer to the criticism against me," he added.

"Till recently, Congress party leaders praised my work but now they are criticizing. This clearly shows that they are doing this with a political motive. Let us not resort to personal attacks, but talk on issue-based matters. I have done a lot of work for the people. Service of the people is our responsibility as they have chosen us for this purpose.

"As a Lok Sabha member I have done many things including introducing new train facility and flights to various international destinations from Mangaluru. I have remained with people and worked for them even when I lost elections. In victory or defeat, I am with them. I have been chosen twice. The first time the voters voted with expectations and the second time for the work I did. Pratapchandra Shetty too has been chosen twice. Now people are asking where he was. I request the voters to vote for me for the work that I have done till now," Hegde said.

On being asked about allegations that he did not get party ticket because of Oscar Fernandes, Hegde said, "This is internal problem of the party. I do not want to blame anybody or comment on that. I want to fight this election on issues."

Asked whether he would get the 800 excess votes that BJP has, as the party has only one candidate and every voter has two votes, Hegde said, "I will get votes from all the parties including Congress. Panchayat members have not won on any party symbol and they do not even vote on party lines. Personal attack on me was made only in Udupi region and not in Dakshina Kannada. I feel that there should not be personal comments in politics."

Regarding statements given by party leaders that he should be indebted to the party, Hegde said, "They gave me ticket in Kundapur when I wanted ticket for Udupi or Kaup constituency. They knew that I would not win there. Then in Lok Sabha election, they came to my house and asked me to contest. I refused to contest but they told me if party had to survive in Udupi, I should contest. Then also they knew I would not win. I have continuously worked in Chikkamagaluru and Udupi region. I have the habit of doing my work no matter if I have lost or won. That is the reason workers are with me today."

When asked whether he would remain independent or join any party if he won this election, he said, "I will discuss this matter with my supporters and decide the further course of action if such a scenario arises."