Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Feb 21: Former MP Jayaprakash Hegde on Thursday denied rumours that he will join JD(S). Speaking to news reporters, he said that he is indeed a ticket aspirant in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. “But the decision is left to the high command. I will contest only if BJP issues me a ticket,” he said.
Udupi district JD(S) president Yogish Shetty had said that Jayaprakash Hegde was in JD(S) in the past. “He is welcome to the party, if he likes. Anything can happen in politics.”
Shetty’s statements gave rise to speculations in political circles and also on who will be the BJP candidate in Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency. There were rumours that Jayaprakash is leaving BJP and joining JD(S) to contest Lok Sabha elections from Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency. But Jayaprakash Hegde on Thursday clarified that the rumours are false. “Such news was published in the newspapers in the past also,” he said.
“My well wishers are campaigning that I should be issued a ticket. Nobody has contacted me to contest from JD(S) either. News that Jayaprakash Hegde is being issued a ticket as Shobha Karandlaje, the current MP of the constituency will not contest this time has spread. But nothing is finalized yet,” he added.
Jayaprakash Hegde had won from Congress in by-elections held in 2012. The constituency had come under BJP again in 2014.