By Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jul 23: Present MLA of Udupi, Raghupati Bhat, an outspoken politician of the state, speaks to Daijiworld exclusively to explain about his principles, future plans and more.

1. BJP has won in Udupi constituency in the recently concluded Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections. The former MLA was saying that he had done development work worth Rs 2,025 crore for the district. But you won with a huge margin of 12,000 votes. What do you think is the reason for your win? Is it the Modi wave or the work you did in your earlier tenure as MLA of Udupi in 2008?

This win is the victory of the people. People wanted the change, so they choose me. During Pramod Madhwaraj’s time, he only gave assurances, but people didn’t see any progress. We did Udupi-Manipal four-way road and many other developmental works. We had solved many major problems of Udupi. So the people knew about our work. I started working even before I was declared as a candidate through house visits, booth meetings and in many ways. Congress volunteers themselves had lost faith on Pramod. People too had lost confidence in Pramod. Though he was in Udupi, he didn’t get the love of the people. Modi wave also contributed for the victory in coastal districts. We knew 100% that we will win in coastal districts.

2. Do you think that some comments of Siddaramaiah affected Congress?

Yes. Siddaramaiah and Pramod are the main reason. No one got solution for their problems when they approached Pramod. His stand about sand mining and other issues were not firm.

3. There were many aspirants to contest from Udupi constituency. Some BJP volunteers did not put efforts for your victory. Now, how is the situation?

There are some permanent opponents in a party. They are in the party but during elections they will not support the party. Our team ignored those types of members. Some have created problems for us purposefully. We are not bothered about them.

4. BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje was not seen during your campaigning. If she gets a ticket again will your supporters, support her?

Sure, there is no doubt about it. MP Shobha was working for the party from Bengaluru head office. She was given other responsibilities by Amit Shah. So she didn’t have time to visit and campaign for me. Being a MP and general secretary of our party, she has worked hard for our success. Our only goal in next Lok Sabha election is Narendra Modi’s victory. He must become our PM again and we are all working towards the same goal.

5. You had strongly protested against the privatization of Haji Abdullah Mother and Child Hospital. What is your stand after becoming the MLA?

Yes, I had strongly opposed the decision. Now the hospital work has been completed. I have visited the hospital and checked its functioning. I have now changed my stand. The hospital is built very well. We have some problem with the maintenance of the hospital. The 200 bed hospital must be maintained by the B R Shetty Company. Hospital administration must be maintained by a new medical superintendent, one government doctor and workers unit and two private doctors and workers unit must be created. All the three units must be under the control of medical superintendent. There are no people’s representatives in the committee. The Speaker has ordered to include people’s representatives in management committee and health minister has also agreed to it.

6. What are your future plans for Udupi constituency?

I have said what I can do in my manifesto. I have not lied about it. A public-friendly administration in Udupi municipality is needed. In the next municipality election, I am sure that people of Udupi will choose BJP. Steps have been taken to improve cleanliness, sanitation and resolve street light problems. Electricity will be produced from waste collected in Karval dumping yard. Varahi project work is also proceeding in full swing.

7. What preparations are being taken for next municipality elections?

In last elections we were in lead in 31 wards. People are fed up of Congress led municipality administration. There are many problems like increase of taxes, street light, cleanliness and sanitation, water supply and many more. To work even more effectively in Udupi constituency, Udupi municipality must be taken over by the BJP. We are all followers of Dr V S Acharya and good municipality administration is our first and primary target.

8. Next 2019 Lok Sabha election is fast approaching. Don’t you think Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje was not in touch with people during her tenure? Who should get the ticket in next Lok Sabha election from this constituency?

It is not correct to say that no development works were undertaken by Shobha. Rs 680 crore was sanctioned for Malpe-Thirthahalli road. When Oscar Fernandes was highway minister, only Rs 16 crore was released under CRF fund. But during Shobha’s tenure, highest amount was released. I agree that she was not in contact with the people, because she has many other responsibilities in state BJP. Allotting the tickets is party decision. Lotus is our symbol. High command decides whom to give the ticket. Even a small child wants Narendra Modi as next PM. Future of India will be in danger if Modi does not become PM. Even Congress knows this.

9. Common people want the MP to be in touch with them. Doesn’t the communication gap hinder the candidate from winning?

Until now these problems have not occurred. Oscar Fernandes was not to be seen in his constituency when he was the MP. Their main role is to bring grants and perform well in Lok Sabha sessions. Shobha has performed very well.

10. You are known for creating youth leaders. But in some instances those youth leaders are not faithful to you. What is your opinion about this?

This is common in politics. Many politicians do not support second line leaders, but I do. Some very good youth leaders are seen working in Udupi. My experience is not always negative and I will continue to support second line leaders.

11. What is your opinion about the recently concluded budget?

This budget only aims to please JD(S) voters. I have raised this issue in session and CM has agreed to provide Rs 70 crore for fishing purposes. He himself has learnt that he has committed a mistake. I explained him with examples. There is not a single mention about the coastal districts in budget. They have assured to create an industrial mall. It is a very good project and it will solve many problems like unemployment and much more. I have demanded to establish a furniture hub in coastal district. This will be helpful during exports. The CM has agreed to it. They have neglected coastal districts completely. We have protested against it inside and outside the House also.

12. Does BJP’s clean sweep affect the budget allocation for coastal districts?

This government will not be in power for much time. Our BJP government will come to power very soon. There is no unity between Congress and JD(S) and we have witnessed this during session. No MLA is in position to contest for elections again within in one year. BJP will come to power soon with some coalition.

13. Do you think an outside in-charge minister can meet our demands and aspirations?

If MLC Prathap Chandra Shetty becomes in-charge minister of Udupi that will help us as he is from the same region. If any other outsider becomes our in-charge minister, it will take 2 years for them to just understand our problems.

14. What is the reason you are getting support from people of all religions?

We are followers of late Dr V S Acharya. We concentrated upon party and other things until I was elected. But after being elected as a representative of people, I serve all the people. I don’t discriminate based on their religion and party. If nationalism issue comes, Hindutva is our agenda; there is no compromise in it.

15. What is your message to the voters?

There is money which came from Amruth scheme, KUDCEMP scheme and from many other schemes. A good team is needed to implement and utilize this money. BJP has good candidates. It may help me a lot if BJP comes to power in Udupi municipality. I request you all to vote for BJP in upcoming municipality and Lok Sabha elections.

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