Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jul 2: Former MLA Abhayachandra Jain on Friday July 2 said that Congress leaders should provide opportunities to youngsters to contest elections than fielding veterans.

Answering media’s question on not contesting elections anymore, he said, “It was a setback for Congress as it was fielding old faces repeatedly in the elections. I faced a huge defeat in my constituency in the last elections. I had recommended Mithun Rai’s name earlier as I realized it was not possible for me to win the elections.

“Not allowing young leaders to contest elections has hit the party hard. In order to bounce back, Congress leaders should give the election tickets to hard working youngsters which will lead to political changes and inspire youths. Look at BJP. They have given lot more opportunities for youngsters.

“I along with Vinay Kumar Sorake and Ramanath Rai became MLAs at the age of 35 to 40. Now there is a chance for youngsters to become MLAs. Many believe that Congress prefers old faces. If youngsters are considered, the Congress will come back strongly,” he said.

District Congress pays homage to late Milkha Singh

The district Congress paid homage to legendry athlete Milkha Singh.

Jain also urged the government to give more importance to sports so that more number of athletes like Milkha Singh emerge in the state. He also demanded a cricket stadium to be built in Mangaluru.

Former Youth Congress president Mithun Rai, district Congress president Harish Kumar, Congress leaders Sahul Hameed, Prakash Salian, Lawrence and others were present.