Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 22: Union home minister Rajnath Singh will visit Udupi district to take part in a BJP convention to be held on Monday April 23 at Kukkundur in Karkala and in Udupi city the same evening, informed district BJP president Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde.

Addressing a press meet here on Sunday April 22, Hegde said, "The party is expecting a crowd of around 25,000 for the Karkala convention. Rajnath Singh will reach Karkala through Fort road at around 11.40 am on April 23. He will later meet Harish Kumta in Beltangady and then arrive at Adi-Udupi helipad, where BJP leaders will receive him. A huge convention will be held near Chittaranjan circle the same evening, and around 15,000 people are expected to gather. Kaup candidate Lalaji Mendon will also grace the convention along with other local leaders.

"Rajnath Singh will take visit Sri Krishna Temple for 'darshan' of Lord Sri Krishna and he will also seek blessings of Sri Vidyadheeshatheertha Swamiji of Palimaru Paryaya Math and Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.

"Thereafter, he will address a press meet at BJP office in Kadiyali. An interaction session with party leaders and workers, called 'Interaction with intellectuals' has been organized at Country Inn. Charted accountants, members of Chamber of Commerce and other organisations will be present. BJP candidate Raghupati Bhat will be the in-charge of this session," he said.

At 5.30 pm, Rajnath Singh will proceed towards Mangaluru, he said.

Hegde also said that Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Udupi on May 1. "We had expected Prime Minister Modi's visit to Udupi during the fifth paryaya of senior Pejawar Swamiji. But he was unable to come. Now, Modi is coming on Friday, May 1 prior to the state assembly elections.

"The district BJP has planned to hold a mega convention at MGM ground. The party is expecting a crowd of over 1 lac for the convention," he added.

"A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be held where all candidates in the state will take part. There are 224 constituencies in the state. As many as 20 candidates will participate in each group. Candidates from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru will be present in the meeting. As Modi is coming to Udupi for the first time since he became Prime Minister, BJP leaders are all set to make the day a memorable one. Modi is expected to proceed to Chamarajnagar after that," he said.

Moving on to other issues, he said that Karkala candidate Sunil Kumar and Udupi candidate Raghupati Bhat would be filing their nominations on Monday morning.

"BJP has fought for many issues in the past five years. Over 6,000-7,000 ration cards are yet to be distributed. People from the coastal regions are facing severe sand problem. Sand has become very expensive. Many sand bar license holders are facing problem under CRZ and non-CRZ.

"About Rs 380 crore of fund has been released from the Central Road Fund for the development of roads," he said.

"MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary tried to get attention of the government regarding 94C, 94 CC and ration cards. CM Siddaramaiah is taking advantage by dividing people on the basis of caste. Karnataka government is following divide and rule policy and supporting cow slaughter activities. Around 3,481 farmers have committed suicide in five years.

"All BJP candidates are working aggressively under the slogan 'Our booth, I am candidate'. The party is working to win majority booths in the state," said Hegde.

Replying to a question on Shiroor Swamiji, he said, "I met him yesterday personally. I respect him. He is suffering from breathing problem. I will pray for him. I will convince him to withdraw his nomination on behalf of the national BJP leaders. I hope he will step back from contesting the elections."

"BJP is getting good response in four constituencies. We are much confident about getting majority in five seats," he said.

Clarifying the secret meeting of BJP leaders held at the residence of Kundapur BJP leader B Kishore Kumar, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary said, "I was present in the meeting. There was nothing special or seceretive about it, everything was normal. After a long interaction, all of them were convinced and agreed to work for Halady Srinivas Poojary."

Praveen Kumar Kappettu, Yashpal suvarna, Shankar Poojary and others were present.