Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Sep 26: Independent MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty from Kundapur has challenged his detractors on WhatsApp and Facebook to come for an open debate with him so that he could answer them directly. "Let them hold the debate anywhere. I will be there," he said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Mischievous boys in the past used to write indecently against girls on school walls. Similarly, these people are writing on WhatsApp now. If they have any disagreement with me, let them come in the open for a talk. I will answer them with documentary proof.
"Some have accused me that I am quiet and do not ask questions in the Assembly, and say that no development work has taken place in the constituency. Accusations and arguments are normal in politics. I have answers to all of them. Let them go to panchayats and ask there. They will get information about the funds released through the MLA and the development that has taken place. There was scarcity of bridges in the constituency earlier, I have completed work on all the important bridges. About 90% of the roads are developed. Tenders have been called for several other works.
"There are three government degree colleges in my constituency. They have their own buildings and are functioning full-fledged. Most of the schools in my constituency are developed. I have provided emergency medical help to not only people from my constituency but also to those from other places in the state. It is not vote bank politics, but some are saying that I am doing it for votes. If it is about votes, there is no need for me to help people from outside the district," he said.
On retirement
To a question on whether he would retire from politics, he replied, "I had said that I would become MLA only for three terms.
"However, I had to compete as an independent due to an incident that happened (when he quit the BJP). I do not know about my future plans. I have not decided. I will take a decision on the basis of the opinions of my supporters," he said. It may be mentioned here that a few days ago, BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje had declared that Halady would be the party's candidate from Kundapur in the next Assembly elections.
"I am an independent MLA. I have never indulged in party politics or any type of politics in my constituency. I have supported BJP candidates in all the Lok Sabha elections. I have no idea about the future," he said.