Mangalore: M R Vasudeva files nomination amid opposition

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Mar 22: Aam Aadmi Party candidate from Mangalore constituency M R Vasudeva on Saturday March 22 filed his nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections at DC's office here.

However, prior to the filing of nomination, Robert Rosario, who was the district convener of the party when it was launched last year, protested Vasudeva's selection as the candidate and alleged that the former director of Mangalore airport is 'communal' as he had attended a programme organized by NaMo Brigade about 15 days prior to his selection. He said he had sent a photograph of the programme to the national AAP leaders for scrutiny.

He also alleged that the candidate selection process was 'unconstitutional', and that 'RSS is hijacking AAP'. "Vasudeva has not even got the B-form from the party and he will not get it either," he added.

Asked what would be his move if Vasudeva is given the B-form, Rosario said he would start an 'save AAP movement'. "AAP has 10,000 members in the district but only a few accompanied Vasudeva. The rest are in my support," he claimed, adding that he was not an aspirant for the ticket. He also alleged that Vasudeva does not have any stand on issues Sowjanya rape and murder or cow slaughter.

Even while he was speaking to the media, a member of AAP came towards him and removed the party's trademark cap from his head.

Addressing reporters after filing his nomination, Vasudeva countered Rosario's allegations and said, "Ours is a common man's party. Before I joined AAP I used to attend programmes of both BJP and Congress whenever they invited me, but I have not attended their programmes after joining the party."

He further said, "Congress and BJP have completely failed to understand the pulse of the people. This is the time to fight against corruption. The rights of the common man should be protected. Hence I am working for party. By Monday March 24 I will get B-form.

Responding to Rosario's allegations, he said, "Sowjanya's case has been handed over to the CBI. AAP also had protested seeking justice for the victim. No one can support communal violence. AAP too is against communal violence."

AAP member Jayaprakash who accompanied Vasudeva said, "Robert Rosario is not in our party. He has been expelled. We have selected a clean and the right candidate. We need to prove our presence in the region."