Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 28: For the sake of contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha independent candidate Amrith Shenoy collected donations from the public, in the city on Thursday, March 28.
The unique campaign rally began from Jodukatte, near Big Bazaar.
“I have worked in educational and religious fields and also in social work. I have helped needy people all along, but it was never for votes. It is my childhood desire to serve people,” Shenoy told media.
“The Election Commission has given permission to spend Rs 70 lacs per candidate. So, for bearing the election expenses, I am collecting donations. This is not for making money but for public participation. With this concept, I have come into the field and decided to serve the constituency and its people independently. Supporters have come from as far as Chikkamagaluru to support me,” he said.
“I have highlighted the failures of the NDA government and conducted public meetings to make people understand the present situation and the inactiveness of Shobha Karandlaje in five years. Even later, I will continue the same,” he said.
“In a coalition government, the strong party will field its candidate. Only then coalition will get profit. There is no existence of JD(S) in Udupi. There are no strong JD(S) leaders and party workers here. I had hoped that Congress leaders will convince the high command. But contrastingly, our own leader bought B form from JD(S),” he lashed out.
“I have personally met state leaders like G Parameshwara, Ishwar Khandre, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Prathapchandra Shetty. But they did not consider my feelings. I was even contemplating to resign from AICC membership. But they neglected my opinion. We had all opportunities of winning. Congress party has strong base here and even I was ready to support Congress candidate. But the decision of Congress has hurt me,” he rued.
"I have organised Sarva Janotsava, to uphold harmony, peace and brotherhood. Henceforth, I will highlight the failures of BJP," he said.
He thanked Dr P V Bhandary, Jayashree Bhat, Yogish Shet, Alen Roshsn Vaz, Anitha D’Souza and Ahmad for standing by him.