Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Nov 25: Ahead of the upcoming gram panchayat elections, BJP is set to hold 'Gram Swaraj Convention' on November 28 at Moodbidri and Puttur, informed district BJP president Sudharshan Moodbidri as the party is gearing up for the gram panchayat elections.

Addressing the media here on Wednesday November 25, he said, "The dates for the gram panchayat election may be announced any time for which we are preparing ourselves. The ‘Gram Swaraj Convention’ will be held across the state as planned by the state committee headed by state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel.

"Two Gram Swaraj Conventions will be held in Dakshina Kannada district on November 28 at Puttur and Moodbidri. The convention at Moodbidri will involve four constituencies namely Moodbidri, Mangaluru North, Bantwal and Mangaluru, while the convention at Puttur will involve three constituencies Puttur, Beltangady and Sullia.

"Deputy chief minister Dr Ashwath Narayan, MPs Nalin Kumar Kateel and Shobha Karandlaje and others will take part in the convention. We have already conducted several programmes ahead of the gram panchayat elections. Out of 228 gram panchayats, elections will be held for 225 gram panchayats. We have conducted 'Kutumba Milan' programme at 218 gram panchayats where voters and party representatives took part. Further, pancharathna group has been formed at 1,186 booths along with over 2,500 pramuks where certain responsibilities have been given to them," he said.

He further added that out of 228 gram panchayats, BJP supported leaders are in power in 148 gram panchayats and the aim is to attain 200 gram panchayats out of the 225 wher elections will be held.