Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje / Kishore Peraje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV/MD)
Mangalore, May 16: Celebration broke out in the district BJP camp as party's candidate Nalin Kumar Kateel emerged victorius in the parliamentary elections, defeating Janardhan Poojary of Congress by a huge margin of 1,43,709 votes.
A huge crowd of supporters, party workers and leaders gathered outside BJP district office and celebrated with much gusto and spirit. Nalin Kumar was taken in a procession and also carried around amidst shouts of cheer.
Addressing reporters soon after the declaration of results, a jubilant Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "People have blessed BJP more than we expected. The hard work of party workers has borne sweet fruits, and all credit goes to them. I thank the voters who turned up in large numbers and voted for me."
He further said, "People have recognized the work I have done for the past five years. This result has once again proved that Dakshina Kannada is the stronghold of BJP. I want to make DK the number one district in the country."
He added that Modi wave prevalent in the district also had a role to play in his victory.
Outlining his plans for the district, Kateel said, "We plan to set up a Special Agricultural Zone, and push for a separate railway division for Mangalore. We will deveop the port and upgrade the Mangalore airport to international standards. We will upgrade the national highway and generate employment by setting up IT Park.
"I am against Niddodi power project and Yettinahole project. I will bring only pro-environment projects to DK," he added.
"I did not contest with any political ambitions. My aim is to provide good governance. I am not an aspirant for minister's post at the centre," he stressed.
He also rubbished reports of internal clashes in the district BJP and said that there were no differences among the party leaders or workers.
"We have won not because of the weakness of Congress but because of BJP's strength. It is the hard work of party workers that has resulted in this victory," he reiterated.
Jubilant BJP workers and supporters descended on the streets across the district to celebrate the thumping victory. They burst crackers, shouted slogans and distributed sweets. Nalin Kumar Kateel was taken in an open jeep procession.
Commenting on the victory, BJP leader Nagaraj Shetty said that Nalin Kumar's victory was expected even before the counting of votes. "Narendra Modi and Nalin Kumar Kateel along with party workers have made an equal contribution to the victory," he said.
"DK is a district of intelligent people. All government office workers have voted for the BJP. We will bring back black money," he added.
Watch Video