Lok Sabha polls 2024: Fishermen’s Association advocates Pramod Madhwaraj as BJP candidate from Udupi

Team Udayavani, Jan 27, 2024, 8:58 AM IST

Udupi: The Akhila Bharat Meenugara Sangha (All India Fishermen’s Association) has put forth a fervent demand for a BJP ticket to Pramod Madhwaraj in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency.

At a press conference, Fishermen’s Association Secretary Kishore D. Suvarna highlighted Madhwaraj’s extensive experience in leadership roles, including a 12-year tenure as the President of Mogaveera Mahajana Sangh and his pivotal role as the Secretary of the National Fishermen’s Forum for six years and emphasized his significant contributions to the economic progress and future planning of the coastal community.

Suvarna stressed the importance of having a dedicated representative for the fishermen at the national level, asserting that it is crucial for addressing the challenges faced by the community and fostering overall development in the fisheries sector.

The Association, in its plea, urged the current MP, Shobha Karandlaje, to consider contesting from any other constituency in the state, making way for Pramod Madhwaraj to vie for the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru seat.

Suvarna said the key demands put forth by the Association were the release of adequate compensation for the land acquired for the extension of the Udupi-Malpe National Highway, the construction of an airport for the district, making Udupi-Chikkamagaluru a compelling tourist destination, and the implementation of the Malpe-Indrali goods railway project.

Secretary Kishore D. Suvarna emphasized that these demands, along with addressing the issue of 14 consumer fishermen’s diesel sales societies and forming a coordination committee to implement uniform laws for inter-state fishermen, can be effectively fulfilled only through the candidacy of Pramod Madhwaraj.

The press conference, attended by leaders and representatives from various fishermen’s associations.