Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri

Moodbidri, May 15: The Bharatiya Janatha Party opened its account in the crucial assembly elections with its Candidate from Moodbdri constituency Umanath Kotian won by more than 22,000 votes by defeating his rival Abhaya Chandra Jain of Congress. Umanath Kotian secured 51351 votes followed by Abhaychandra Jain with 31371 votes.

Meanwhile, the Congress party has retained the Ullal Assembly Constituency seat with its candidate U T Khader winning the assembly election. He defeated his nearest BJP rival Santhosh Kumar Rai by 35,594 votes. Santhosh Rai Boliyar secured 20561 votes followed by K Ashraf from the JD(S) who secured 2028 votes.

Speaking to Daijiworld, an elated U T Khader said, “I am thankful to voters of my constituency. BJP tried for communal polarization in my constituency, but matured people ignored their attempts. We will discuss seriously about the defeat of our candidates. We seek vote in the basis of development. We do not know why people rejected our candidates in the district. We should seriously think about our election strategy. Because the candidates of BJP who nothing did for society won this election.”

Congress’ Abhaychandra Jain said, “I accept defeat humbly. I never expected this result. But I have to accept the result. It is given by people in a democratic way.

“There was no groupism in Moodbidri Congress. We all worked in unity for the victory of Congress.

“I will remain in the constituency as a social worker. There is no question of retirement in politics. Since 40 years, I have always worked for my people. Will continue doing the same,” he said.

Counting of votes is being held at Mahatma Gandhi Centenary Higher Primary School, Bondel (Belthangady, Moodbidri and Mangaluru North) and Mahatma Gandhi Centenary PU College, Bondel (Mangaluru South, Mangaluru, Bantwal, Puttur and Sullia).