Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Nov 3: Dakshina Kannada (DK) is well-known as the stronghold of the BJP. The district had pulled a surprise result in the 2013 elections when all the constituencies except Sullia voted in favour of the Congress. However, tables turned in the 2018 assembly elections when the lotus bloomed across the undivided Dakshina Kannada barring Ullal. Dakshina Kannada currently has seven MLAs and an MP, and there is a strong pro-Modi and pro-BJP wave in the district.
The state BJP's president Nalin Kumar Kateel hails from this district, and is also the MP. Nevertheless, despite the strong presence and being undeniably important to the state BJP's prospects, the district has been denied a place in the cabinet.
District BJP president Sudarshan Moodbidri in an exclusive interview in 'Rough n Right' on Daijiworld 24x7 channel with editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike spoke on several issues including denial of ministry to MLAs from Dakshina Kannada and allegations that he was a mere 'puppet' at the hands of Nalin Kumar Kateel.
Excerpts
Q: People say that you have no challenges to face as district BJP president as there is already a strong BJP wave in Dakshina Kannada and the district already has 7 MLAs and an MP. Your comments?
A: There are challenges. BJP is in power in the state, center and the local administration. There are a lot of expectations from people and we have to live up to them, which in itself is a challenge.
Q: It is said that you were an aspirant for Moodbidiri constituency ticket, and you were made district president only to keep you satisfied. What do you have to say on this?
A: I deny that. There are aspirants everywhere, but once the candidate is selected we do not look at the individual, we see the party and work for the victory of the party.
Q: The district has received good support from the people. But despite having 7 MLAs, there is no minister from here in the state cabinet. Do you think they are not deserving of ministerial posts?
A: They deserve ministerial post. Certain criteria is considered during cabinet expansion. Our district has given the party state president's post to Nalin Kumar Kateel. We have chances in the coming days.
Q: You are very close to Nalin Kumar Kateel. Do you think you are acting as his puppet as alleged?
A: I deny such allegations. Till today Nalin Kumar Kateel has never interfered in the district activities and has given us complete freedom. Whenever there is problem we take his guidance. His vast experience and guidance is handy for us.
Q: Sand mafia issue is been discussed these days. Nalin Kateel has assured to provide sand at Rs 2,000. There are allegations that BJP leaders are involved in sand irregularities...
A: There is sand mafia in which some political leaders are involved. The late Dr V S Acharya had introduced sand policy which we tried to implement in the coastal belt, but once the Siddaramaiah came to power the sand mafia rose to an extreme level. No BJP leaders are involved in any irregularities and people are aware about it.
Q: Mithun Rai has been shining in the Congress. Is the BJP targeting him? Hasn't he been trolled by the BJP social media wing?
A: Not only Mithun Rai, even Modi is being trolled on social media. We need not target Mithun Rai. Congress in Dakshina Kannada district is a sinking boat which will never rise again.
Q: Recently there was attack on BJP representative Dinesh in his studio. Two years ago when Sharath Madivala was murdered, BJP leaders protested against the then ruling Congress and as opposition, BJP did everything possible. Now when BJP is in power, where are the leaders to protest the attack on Dinesh?
A: Sharath Madivala's death time was covered up just because of Siddaramaiah's visit to Dakshina Kannada the same day. We protested against this injustice. When Dinesh was attacked we rushed to the hospital. MLA Dr Bharath Shetty and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel spoke to the department concerned and immediately the accused were arrested.
Q: How is the preparation going on for the upcoming state executive meeting?
A: We are fortunate enough to host a special executive meeting in Dakshina Kannada under the aegis of state BJP president and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel. We have formed 16 divisions, each of which has been given responsibilities to make this event a success. As of now total 158 party representatives will take part in the event. Chief minister B S Yediyurappa, Prahlad Joshi, C T Ravi and D V Sadananda Gowda will take part.
Q: As district BJP president, what are your goals for the future?
A: The focus will be on gram panchayat elections. Gram panchayat election is like a foundation, this is how the BJP grew. Our target is to cross the 200-mark out of 225 gram panchayats. As part of preparations, I have conducted tours of all the constituencies and the atmosphere is favouring us. Even in the next assembly elections we will win in Mangaluru and bag all the eight constituencies.
Watch full interview: