LS Elections 2024: Satyajit Surathkal asserts commitment to contesting from DK

Team Udayavani, Feb 26, 2024, 11:07 AM IST

Bantwal:  Hindu leader Satyajit Surathkal reaffirmed that he was determined to contest the Lok Sabha elections while upholding the principles of BJP.

Speaking to supporters, Satyajit Surathkal emphasized the importance of the activists’ support, which he credited to his current position. “I owe my current position to the support of activists. I have decided to contest (in the general elections) in response to their demands,” he stated.

He was addressing ‘Janagraha Sabha’, a public gathering organised by Team Satyajit Surathkal at Bantawalda Bantara Bhawana, Brahmarakootlu near B C Road on Sunday, February 25.

“Despite being denied opportunities (to contest elections) repeatedly in the past, there has been no acknowledgment from the party or apology for the oversight,” he remarked.

“Six years ago, I refrained from visiting the Dakshina Kannada district BJP office after being informed by the party office that I wouldn’t be a Lok Sabha candidate.

“There were promises made… (B S) Yediyurappa himself personally invited me to his residence, promising an opportunity. However, there were no further discussions or progress on the matter. Recently, when Dr. Prabhakar Bhat inquired about my demands, I raised the issue of contesting for the Lok Sabha seat,” he explained.

Leaders from various districts and organizations attended the event.

Surathkal, addressing journalists after the meeting at BC Road, reiterated his determination to secure a ticket for the BJP in the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency. He expressed confidence in receiving the ticket and assured that decisions regarding independent candidacy would be made collectively with activists.

“We will persistently strive until the BJP announces the ticket for the Dakshina Kannada constituency, and we are optimistic about securing it. As for contesting as an independent, no decisions have been made. If circumstances lead to such a scenario, we will take a collective decision,” he said.

“The Janagraha Sabha was a program organised by activists. They invited me to speak at the meeting and urged me to express my thoughts sincerely. I have conveyed everything accordingly,” he added.

Responding to queries about whether he would engage in discussions if summoned by party leaders, he affirmed, “I will participate in discussions. However, I will not compromise on anything that goes against the interests of the workers.”