Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)
Udupi, Apr 12: Lok Sabha member representing Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency, Shobha Karandlaje, undertook hunger strike opposite the deputy commissioner's office complex at Rajatadri, Manipal here on Thursday April 12, in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertaking fast for a day, lamenting washout of parliament time because of ruckus caused by Congress.
Shobha said that Naredra Modi is undertaking fast today and individual BJP members of parliament are also supporting him by undertaking hunger strike on April 12 in their respective constituencies.
"In a democratic system, parliament is like a temple. Problems affecting the country, efforts to achieve harmony, and several otherimportant things are discussed in parliament and solutions are found to the problems of people. Therefore it is just like a temple. Our predecessors undertook proper study and prescribed how to run the parliament, how much time is to be allocated to proceedings etc. Last year, meaningful discussions could take place. This time, the Congress wasted the entire time. We could have discussed about problems affecting farmers and addressed issues of differences. It is the duty of political parties to come together and find solutions for the problems. Narendra Modi, ministers, and MPs etc are sitting on fast. Our aim is meant to open the eyes of the people to the issue and make them understand about the anti-people stance of the Congress," she stated.
She pointed out that several bills concerning other backward castes were pending passage in parliament for want of discussions which Congress has been blocking, adding that it is time to unmask the Congress and show to the people that this party is devoid of moral values. "For wasting the time of the parliament, Congress should have tendered unconditional apology. As they have not done it, we are seeking apology from the people," he clarified.
Kundapur dissidence: She noted that seven party leaders in Kundapur have resigned from their posts in protest against choice of candidate by the party. "Our national president, Amit Shah, state president, Yeddyurappa, etc are undertaking campaigning in Hubli Dharwad Belagavi etc. We have already announced names of candidates for 72 constituencies and the second list would be out in two to three days. There is some dissent in about ten seats on account of multiple candidates seeking tickets. It is but natural for people not getting chosen getting disgruntled. This feeling will be there for sometime. Party leaders will talk to such people and pacify them through various means. BJP has been taking care to issue tickets to candidates based on their chances of winning. As per different surveys already conducted, Yeddyurappa will be our next chief minister," she explained.
On the notion that she had tried to block issuance of ticket to Raghupati Bhat from local constituency, Shobha said that the decision to allot tickets is taken by state and central level leaders and it is not her individual decision. She said that the party selects winning candidate. "We have expressed our opinions individually during several surveys undertaken in the past. Unhappy people will be talked to. Our focus should be towards ensuring victory for the BJP candidate chosen by the party. We should try to make Yeddyurappa our next chief minister. Let the dissidents make some sacrifices now. They will be rewarded and provided with good opportunities later," she narrated.
Kundapur constituency BJP official candidate, Halady Srinivas Shetty, was present. Shetty said he is confident of winning the election. On the issue of loyalists vs migrants discussions, he stated that he had taken everyone into confidence and that leaders at the district level were happy with him. At the same time, he added that the decision on the future course is left to individuals. "Party workers have to put in efforts for the victory of candidates chosen by the party. I cannot say for sure that dissidence will not affect me. Last time, I had won by a margin of 40,000 votes against BJP candidate, Kishore Kumar, and hope to increase the victory margin this time. I welcome support from everyone," he explained.
On the information that veteran BJP leader, A G Kodgi, is unhappy about ticket allotment to him, Shetty said that today morning he had visited Kodgi's home and that the leader expressed happiness about his candidature. "Kodgi is a senior leader and my mentor. It is but natural for some gaps to remain between leaders. For me, election campaigns are not new. I have been meeting people all my life, and I do not have any differences with Kodgi. Party is more important than individual. District level BJP leaders are with me ad they wanted that ticket should be issued to me. I have been involved with various development and social justice initiatives. I appreciate development works conducted by Modi and Yeddyurappa. I will highlight the achievements of these leaders and failures of the Congress government during electioneering," he explained.
About party tickets sought by certain leaders in constituencies here, he felt that they are within their rights to demand ticket, but it is also important to abide by party's decision. He said that it is the duty of people to work for the victory of the official candidates of the party.
Udaykumar Shetty, in charge of Mangaluru division, Yashpal Suvarna, chief secretary, Suresh Kuylady, district chief secretary, Lalaji R Mendon, Geethanjali Suvarna, State Mahila Morcha member, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary, Dinakarbabu, president. zilla panchayat, Sheela K Shetty, vice president, zilla panchayat, Shilpa Suvarna and others were present.
The hunger strike is scheduled to go on from 10 am to 5 pm.