Udupi, May 12, 2008
Pics: Durga Digitals

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Team Daijiworld met Raghupati Bhat while he was visiting houses near Kemmannu, Hampankatta. A bunch of youngsters along with other party workers were totally engrossed in canvassing.

Raghupati Bhat was looking as fresh as he was when starting the campaign even though it was noon time. His smiling but serious face showed that he is a staunch follower of RSS policies.

In between his busy schedule of seeking votes from people, he took some valuable time to speak to Daijiworld.

'Our canvass started much before Congress could even announce their candidate from Udupi. Forlast 4 years I have been close to the hearts of people and I do not find any difficulty to reach them and seek their votes. Wherever I went, I received overwhelming response from the people,' said Raghupati Bhat confidently.

'People are extremely angry with the UPA government in centre. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is a total failure. People are fed up with the speed at which inflation is rising. Common people in a city like Udupi are facing too many problems for which the central government is responsible,' he said, directly blaming UPA, because according to him, it is not the immediate past JDS-BJP government but the centre that is responsible for the problems faced by the commoners!

'One has to struggle a lot to get gas connection. This is one of the most common needs of people. If the BJP government comes to power, basic needs like gas connection, availibility of kerosene, drinking water and road facilities will be given maximum priority.'

When asked why he did not think of it when JDS-BJP government was in power, he adopted a safe path and said, '20-month time was too short to implement such projects. As you are aware JDS back-stabbed us and denied us the power for the next 20 months. That's why we request people to give us full majority and give us one chance to create an atmosphere of change and bring out the state from its current difficulties. Only a government with a majority can bring about these changes.'

When asked about his contribution to the Udupi constituency during his tenure as an elected representative, he said, 'I was responsible for granting Rs 55 crore to the Udupi city corporation for drinking water project. The project is still not complete and if I win from here, completing it will be my first priority. Apart from this, I am responsible for building 21 houses for the poor people in Udyavara.'

'The construction of the 80-ft wide Udupi-Manipal-Kalsanka road at the cost of Rs 30 crore is my big achievement which greatly satisfied me. People cooperated here without police interference, and some of them even volunteerer their help. It is clear that people appreciate our job.'

He pointed out that youth from his constituency are on his side, with a large number of youngsters migrating from Congress and JDS to join his party. He also claimed that many supporters of Kundapur constituency Congress candidate J P Hegde have joined Udupi. J P Hegde always fought the election on the basis of anti-Congress agenda and the same person has taken shelter in the Congress house, he criticised.

Raghupati Bhat is confident of retaining his seat from Udupi. The good work done by Yeddyurappa as deputy CM of the state is appreciated by the people here, he said.

'Yes I am very confident, no one can stop BJP victory here.'

Pramod Madhwaraj

Young and handsome Pramod Madhwaraj, a popular figure among the youth in and around Udupi is the son of former state minister and current Udupi MP Manorama Madhwaraj. However, Pramod does not walk along Manorama's path - while Manorama is a BJP MP, Pramod is in Congress.

He does not need his mother's name for his growth or identity in politics. He has already established a name for himself as a successful entrepreneur and youth leader.

Wherever and whenever there is an event organized by youth in and around Udupi, Promod will be part of it.

The grave-looking politician exudes immense confidence and speaks as if he has already won the election.

'Congress has already won, it is just a matter of margin,' - this was the level of confidence potrayed by Pramod.
It is easy to surmise the reason for such confidence - wherever he goes, a huge number of youth accompany him for campaigning. He has received overwhelming support from the people and this particular point has given sleepless nights to his opponent Raghupati Bhat.

Pramod contested from Brahmavar assembly constituency during 2004 election and finished third. J P Hegde was the winner as independent candidate.

'I gracefully accepted my defeat from Brahmavar last time, but had I assured people whether I win or lose, I would work for them. I promised to open a service centre for the poor people in Brahmavar. I have fulfilled my promise. Today poor people of Brahmavar are using the facility of this service centre specially for medical and other basic needs.'

'The young generation has great confidence in me and that is the reason why they love me. Every day youngsters are joining our party and joining me in campaigning. They all want to change the face of Udupi.'

'There is a lot to be done to develop Udupi constituency. It is the dream of every youngster to work towards that goal.'

He admitted that there was a tussel between him and Sabhapati before the allocation of ticket. But the differences have been amicably settled and Sabhapati is fully supporting him. He has even joined the Congress campaign.

Surprisingly, unlike other seasonal politicians he never blamed BJP, and niether praised Congress. In his diplomatic conversation with Daijiworld, he proved himself to be an intelligent leader who can keep all party members happy!