I am contesting against JD(S) candidate, not Congress: Amrith Shenoy

Team Udayavani, Apr 3, 2019, 11:26 AM IST

Udupi: “I am contesting as an independent candidate in the Lok Sabha election not against the Congress, but against JD(S) candidate,” said Amrith Shenoy, the independent candidate contesting from Udupi Lok Sabha constituency, speaking at a press meet on Tuesday, April 2.

“We opposed the decision of Congress high command of handing over Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency to JD(S). Immediately, I met KPCC level members to convince them the same. JD(S) showing its helplessness said they do not have a single candidate. Instead of fighting with JD(S) or convincing the KPCC leaders, Pramod Madhwaraj approached JD(S) and got ticket as their candidate. He did not think about future of Congress,” lashed out Mr Shenoy.

“Those who like my social service have supported me to contest in the election. We are the ground level workers and know the pulse of the public. Congress high command took a decision without taking the opinion of district level leaders. That hurt me. There is no need of collecting opinion of party workers while taking party decisions. But when it comes to the selection of a party candidate, why have they neglected party leaders. Today I am facing many charges because I spoke against BJP in heat of the moment in a public meeting,” he added.

“As an independent candidate, no one will question me. I will work towards maintaining social harmony and the development. People must accept me as public property and I will work for the betterment of society,” he assured.

NDA government failure

Amrith spoke of the failures of the sitting MP Shobha Karandlaje as well as the union government. He also criticized the NDA government in connection to the effects of demonetization, drop in job opportunities and fake promises.

“BJP is upholding religious differences with Hindutva. This should be stopped. If I win the LS election, I will work for public as a servant. Though there are advanced technologies in country, the union government has failed to locate the Suvarna Tribuja boat along with seven fishermen of Malpe,” he pointed out.

“Prime Minister Modi has failed to tackle unemployment and generate new job opportunities. The government announced package for coffee growers. Coastal area people are facing sand scarcity. No one is getting jobs. If the same situation continues in the district, definitely, youngsters will migrate to other cities in search of job,” he predicted.

AICC resignation

Speaking on his resignation as AICC member she said, . “I have asked for some time to take decision over my AICC membership. Congress government started celebrating 30 ‘Jayantis’ in the state. Tipu Jayanti is one among them. Pramod did not attend a single Tipu Jayanti when he was the MLA of Udupi. Instead Pramod gave statement against Tipu Jayanti. Now it is time to decide, who is really against principles of Congress party.” he explained.