Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, May 14: "Raghupati Bhat is my dear friend. He has contested the MLC elections to represent the coastal belt properly. We fight on the basis of our party, while they are fighting this election on a personal basis. However, it is important to understand that this election is not conducted based on party symbols," said Aayanur Manjunath, the Congress candidate for the Southwest Graduates constituency, during a press briefing in Udupi after a detailed election meeting with district Congress leaders.

He stated, "Voters consider matters closely related to them during these elections. I will not lose any votes due to Raghupati Bhat's contest. Congress workers are determined to regain the seat that Congress has not won in over four decades. There have been 84,000 enrolments in the Southwest Graduates constituency, and I am confident of winning this election. I have been working in this field for over 40 years, advocating for workers' rights regardless of which government is in power. The Congress government has promised to reinstate the old pension scheme, and I assure that it will be implemented after the code of conduct. I will fight for its implementation on behalf of the workers."

Manjunath emphasized his long-term commitment to workers' rights, saying, "I have worked for the workers for the past four decades. I started my career as a representative of the workers and have continuously fought for their rights. I ask the voters to give their first priority vote to me."

Addressing his history of frequently changing parties, Manjunath said, "I have always represented the labour class community, fighting for their rights irrespective of which government is in power. When the BJP government, led by Bommai, increased the working hours to 12 hours per day, which was unscientific, I objected to this move and walked out of the party, even though I was a member of BJP."

Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, president district Congress; Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, working president; M A Gaffur, KPCC secretary; Congress leaders Prasadraj Kanchan, and Dinesh Hegde Molahalli were present.