Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/DV)

Udupi, Nov 10: "I will not contest from any political party, I will contest independently. I may get invitations from various political parties, but I will contest independently," state co-operative federation chief M N Rajendra Kumar.

Speaking to media here, regarding the pressure to contest the MLC elections by supporters, he said, “During elections, people will force their choice of candidates to contest. I need to decide on this. This is an election between political parties. I have good relation between all the parties. So, I need to think about it.

“There is pressure from the people. From yesterday all are pressurizing me. I will take a decision within three days.

“It is my decision if I need to contest from a political party. Earlier, I was identified in the Congress. But, now I am not in that party. Now, we are coordinating between all.

“Members of Navodhaya, gram panchayat and cooperative associations are pressurizing me.

“As many as 50% people who are in the cooperative sector, are in gram panchayats. Nearly, 20% to 30% women are in cooperative groups. Hence, as their representative, it is common to demand to contest the elections. I have never said from which party I will contest. There is pressure on me to contest the elections.

“One position should be reserved for the field for cooperative sector in the council. Within one week, a clear decision will be out,” he said.