Pics: Spoorthi Ullal 

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, May 19: Dr Dhananjay Sarji, candidate for the Graduates Constituency, and Bhoje Gowda, candidate for the Teachers Constituency, voiced their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by teachers and students in their district.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, May 19, at the BJP office in Mangaluru, MP candidate for Udupi constituency, Kota Srinivas Poojary, remarked, "As the MLC elections progress, Dr Dhananjay Sarji for the Graduates constituency and JD(S) leader Bhoje Gowda for the Teachers Constituency, both from the BJP party, have been chosen. They have completed one round of campaigning successfully, and our party workers, including MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, are working collectively. Approximately 85,000 votes are expected. Dr Sarji has taken the mantle to address the concerns of teachers and graduates. Despite numerous protests, the Congress party has failed to heed their grievances. The BJP, along with JD(S), pledges to advocate for the betterment of teachers and graduate students."

Dr Dhananjay Sarji, the candidate for the Graduates constituency, expressed gratitude, saying, "I extend my thanks to the party workers and all those who have supported me. The Graduates Constituency encompasses Udupi, Coorg, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Hassan, and Dakshina Kannada. Mangaluru has been a stronghold of the BJP, boasting of 14 medical colleges, nearly 40 engineering colleges, and over 100 degree colleges. With roots in a farming family and after completing my MBBS and MD, I empathise with the challenges faced by graduates. I aim to be their voice and urge everyone to vote for the BJP for real development."

Bhoje Gowda, the candidate for the Teachers Constituency, stressed, "Education and healthcare are fundamental rights. The government must ensure these for all. Quality education is paramount, and I have advocated in the Vidhana Parishat that true education thrives in Udupi and Mangaluru. This year's SSLC results affirm this. Udupi secured the first rank, followed by Dakshina Kannada and Shivamogga. The united Dakshina Kannada consistently provides quality education. However, the plight of Kannada schools is alarming, with negligence evident in government schools."

Responding to questions about allegations of mass copying affecting rankings, Gowda asserted, "There's been injustice, leading to the installation of cameras. Even failing students deserve justice. Unfortunately, certain districts, particularly in North Karnataka, have a history of copying and yet it's overlooked."

Regarding concerns over his affiliation with the BJP amidst past protests, Dr Sarji clarified, "I have been associated with the BJP from a young age in Shivamogga. My decision to join the party was well-known. Regarding the protests, I stand by them, having personally known Harsha and his family, who were my patients."

On queries about his selection as a candidate, Dr Sarji stated, "Though I joined the BJP two years ago, I have held leadership roles before. Today, my name carries weight. I hope for everyone's support through their votes."

The press conference was attended by Prathap Simha Nayak, Vedavyas Kamath, Harish Poonja, Dattatreya, Ganesh Karnik, and others.