Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 13: K Rama Bhat, honorary president of 'Swabhimani Vedike', primarily a splinter group of disgruntled members who parted ways with the BJP after the party refused to field ex-MLA Shakuntala Shetty from Puttur, announced here on Friday December 12, that the Vedike has decided to fight the next Lok Sabha election and that a meeting of the Vedike has unanimously chosen him as the party candidate from the city constituency. Speaking at a press conference, he however, clarified that he is yet to take a final decision on his candidature.

Launching a scathing tirade yet again on the BJP, Bhat said that unfortunately, the BJP which grew on the foundation of principles has grown into an anti-democratic party that gives in to the egotistic culture of its leaders.  Alleging that the state government is suffering under the grip of land mafia, mining mafia and other bigwigs who are devoid of any character or principles, he claimed that dedicated party workers have grown disillusioned because of these developments.

Directing his ire at the member of parliament D V Sadanand Gowda, Bhat said that Gowda who failed to do anything useful for the citizens, transferred a sincere sub divisional officer in spite of fierce opposition for locals, to serve his own ends. The only achievement of the government that is worth mentioning is the transfer of 9,000 officials within 90 days of rule, he said. He further stated that the train services between the city and the state capital materialized because of the long-drawn struggle of the people and the MP can not claim credit for the same.

Rama Bhat also came down heavily on the BJP for indulging in horse-trading of MLAs. He recollected that Vajpayee, ex-prime minister had not tried to buy opposition MPs even when he lost his post by a single vote and rued the fact that the current leaders have let down their illustrious predecessors.

Ex-MLA Shakuntala Shetty, city corporator Mariamma Thomas, ex Puttur municipal president Lokesh Hegde, Stany D'Souza, Valerian D'Souza etc., were present.