Pic: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 17: Senior Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary, who had sent shock waves in political circles with his statement that leaders like PM Modi are needed to eradicate corruption, was defended by district-in-charge minister U T Khader.

Addressing a press meet on Sunday, March 17, he said Janardhana Poojary is the one who had said Modi is not right. “It is hard to believe that Poojary has said something like that. BJP leaders are the ones who once used abusive words, insulted and criticised Janardhana Poojary. Instead of saying Rahul Gandhi will become prime minister and eradicate corruption, Poojary might have mistakenly used Modi's name.”

If BJP leaders respect Poojary, let them support him during this Lok Sabha election from Mangaluru constituency. If they do so, Congress will not field any candidate.

“The upcoming polls will be the election to save Indian Constitution. People need to bless Congress party. None of the problems of the district have made sound in the parliament for the last 10 years and there are no funds allotted from the central government for the district for the purpose of development,” he said.

When asked about leaving Udupi-Chikkamagluru and Uttar Kannada seats to JD(S), he said, "It is the high command’s decision and we respect it. There were demands by Congress representatives to retain the ticket for Congress but it was a decision taken by the high command.”

When asked about Mandya's candidate, Khader said, "Nikhil Kumaraswamy is the candidate from Mandya whom the Congress will support. Nikhil's victory is equal to the victory of Congress. Congress will show full-fledged support to Nikhil Kumaraswamy.”

MLC Ivan D’Souza, Congress leaders Sadashiv Ullal, Santhosh Kumar Shetty and others were present.