Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Feb 3: State INTUC president Rakesh Malli on Saturday, February 3 slammed Halady Srinivas Shetty for resigning as MLA before the end of his term in order to join the BJP.

Halady Srinivas Shetty, who was independent MLA of Kundapur, resigned from his post earlier this week and joined the BJP on Friday February 2.

Addressing a press meet here, Rakesh Malli said, "Halady Srinivas Shetty has betrayed the voters of Kundapur constituency by joining the BJP. During the last elections, he said he was betrayed by the BJP and would never join the party. Entering any party is his personal decision, but by going with the BJP, he has betrayed the voters who supported him and ensured his tremendous victory in the last elections.

"What development work has been undertaken in Kundapur constituency during the last four terms of Halady Srinivas Shetty as MLA? Other constituencies in Udupi district have developed to a greater extent," he said.

Speaking about his work as a Congressman, Malli said, "At present, I have shifted my residence to Kundapur. I am working hard to make Congress stronger in Kundapur region. People of the constituency are responding in a positive manner, and I am happy with their response," he said.

To a query if he was an aspiring candidate from Congress to contest elections from Kundapur constituency, he said, "Yes. I want to contest as Congress' candidate in the upcoming elections. If the party gives me the ticket, I will definitely contest."

Y B Ragavendra, Dinesh Kotian, Shankar Kunder, Roshni Olivera, Mallika B Poojary, and Derick D’Souza were present.