R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP/SB)

Karkala, Apr 16: The supporters of Congress leader Uday Shetty took to streets here on Monday, April 16 venting out their anger for denying him the Karkala ticket for the upcoming assembly elections.

The protesters raised slogans against senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily and tried to burn his effigy. Police intervened and immediately stopped them. The protestors later marched to former MLA Gopal Bhandary’s office and expressed their anger over ticket distribution.

They alleged that Veerappa Moily was behind denial of ticket to Uday Shetty. "Since the last elections, Moily did not keep any contact with the workers and Congress leaders of Karkala. With the elections nearing, he asked for a report from his close aides G A Bava and Bharath Mundodi, who are both in KPCC, and gave the ticket to Gopal Bhandary.

"Moily has neglected the genuine party workers and insulted them. Hence we have decided not to support Congress at election booths. Our ultimate demand is 'Moily Hatao, Congress Bachavo'," they said.

An argument erupted between the police and media persons when police personnel allegedly pushed the cameramen.

Locals also protested against the police for taking videos of the number plates of some vehicles parked at the spot.

No permission to protest - Tahsildar Mohammad Isaac

Speaking to reporters, tahsildar Mohammad Isaac said, "Model code of conduct is in force. So there is no permission for public protests based on politics. Once we get the report from officials, we will take suitable action."

The issue

There was tough fight for the Karkala assembly ticket from the Congress party this time with former MLA Gopal Bhandary, and Congress leaders Uday Kumar Shetty Muniyal and Harsha Moily staking claims for the party ticket. The party however, chose to go with veteran leader of the party, Gopal Bhandary, thus pouring cold water on the ambitions of Uday Kumar Shetty Muniyal.

After Veerappa Moily recently announced that Harsha Moily is not in the race for ticket from here, Uday and Bhandary had remained as tough competitors. Many were expecting the party to lean towards Uday Kumar Shetty, but the final list brought out by the party resulted in disappointment for him as the party decided to go ahead with Gopal Bhandary, who has represented this constituency many a time.

Bhandary attributed his success in winning party nomination this time as a reward for truthfulness and honesty. He said that he will take everyone into confidence and go ahead with all the sections of the party. He exuded confidence of winning the election this time. "Although I lost from here during the last election, I have remained in touch with the people and hence will emerge victorious," he said.

Uday Kumar Shetty Muniyal said that he is not angry at failing to get party's nomination. He said that he would take further decision after pooling general opinion of his supporters. "There is time till April 24. Congress issues ticket to winning candidates, not to those who are likely to face defeat," he commented.

Shetty's supporters held protest on Sunday night and again on Monday morning, to express their resentment at the decision of the party to deny him the party ticket. They demanded that ticket from the local constituency be issued to Uday Kumar Shetty Muniyal.

It is said that Shetty's candidature had the strong backing of a powerful minister from Bengaluru, and that Verappa Moily had expressed his displeasure at this development. Therefore, it is said, the party decided to issue ticket to Bhandary.

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