Still capable of responding to needs of all people: Jayaprakash Hegde

Team Udayavani, Apr 24, 2024, 9:37 AM IST

Kaup: Congress candidate K. Jayaprakash Hegde, vying for the Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency, expressed his commitment to the development of coastal and hilly regions, farmers, and backward classes during a recent election rally. “I am surely capable of responding to the aspirations of all people of the constituency,” he said.

He was addressing a public meet at Kaup after a massive rally from Padubidri to Kaup.

Hegde highlighted his past efforts in addressing the concerns of the people in these areas and pledged to continue working for their welfare in the future.

“Due to the formation of Udupi district, there is now a more favorable environment for the development of the district through seven taluks. I have closely observed the problems of the coastal people, and whenever I have had an opportunity, I have worked for the district and its people. I have been responding to the aspirations of the people in the coastal and hilly areas, farmers, and backward classes, and I am still capable of working for the people in the future,” he said.

He criticized BJP counterparts for lacking personal achievements and instead resorting to appeals based on national interest and national leadership. “BJP candidates have no moral strength to ask for votes by mentioning their personal achievements and capabilities. So, they are asking for votes in the name of national interest and national leaders. If the people elect me by voting for Congress, I will make sincere efforts to repay the debt of the constituency’s people,” he promised.

“An ideal MP”

Former MP Tejaswini Gowda endorsed Hegde’s candidacy, citing his suitability for the role of an “ideal MP.”

She further said, “The promise made by Kota Srinivasa Pujari to give kuchchalakki (parboiled rice) to the people of the coast when the then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai came to Kaup has still not been fulfilled. Those who cannot fulfill the promises they made to the people are opposing the Congress guarantee schemes. This time, Jayaprakash Hegde will win with a huge majority.”

Similarly, KPCC leader Sudhir Kumar Murolli urged voters to evaluate the performance of incumbent MP Shobha Karandlaje and the BJP government before casting their votes. “Voters have the opportunity to cast their vote by evaluating what Shobha Karandlaje, as an MP, has accomplished during her 10-year tenure and what the BJP government at the center has provided to the Coast over the past decade,” he said.

Why the sudden emphasis on caste, asks Sorake

Vinayakumar Sorake, KPCC campaign committee president, raised concerns about caste politics, questioning the “sudden emphasis on caste identity” by opponents during elections, especially in light of past controversies regarding the treatment of cultural icons and historical figures.

KPCC campaign committee president Vinaya Kumar Sorake said, “Kota Srinivas Poojary had forgotten about the caste issues when the central government insulted Brahmashri Narayana Guru’s tableau for the Republic Day parade and the BJP government removed Narayana Guru’s message from the textbook.” He questioned, “How did Kota Srinivasa Poojary, who had forgotten about all this, now suddenly remember about caste during the election?”

Student contributes to election expenses

Notably, a student made a donation towards election expenses of Congress candidate K. Jayaprakash Hegde. Referring to this in his speech, JP Hegde promised to make “sincere efforts to clear this debt in the coming days.”

The rally, attended by thousands, featured contributions from various party leaders and supporters.