Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Nov 28: “The primary intention of the Grama Swaraj conventions is to make Karnataka a Congress-free state by winning all the gram panchayats. Winning at least 80 per cent of the gram panchayat is our goal. A common party worker can become a strong leader, it is possible only at panchayat level elections,” said BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel at the state's second Grama Swaraj convention inaugurated at the Amrith Garden, near LVT, Udupi on Friday November 27.

"The preparation for the panchayat election has been already begun three months ago. BJP has adopted pancha sutras and pancha ratnas to win upcoming local body election.

Nalin further stated that Gandhiji never talked about a secular country, rather dreamt of building Rama Rajya, which begins with the development of villages. "Congress sought votes using Gandhi's name but BJP sought votes through his principles and thoughts.

“As per plans formulated by Prime Minister Modi, each panchayat will be receiving grants over Rs 1 crore directly into its account under MGNREGA scheme. Panchayat president is just like a Prime Minister, they are just as powerful and will be provided with such kind of power in days to come. The main motto of the convention is strengthening village panchayat body and transforming party workers into leaders,” he said.

Deputy chief minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan in his address said, "A country's strength, culture and thoughts lies in its villages. Therefore, it is important that all villages are developed and all the developments should be begin from villages."

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje speaking on the occasion said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi always refers to Udupi when talking about development. He has lot of expectations from the district and has assured to provide additional grants for the district. Thoughts and evolution should go hand in hand for the integrated development of the nation. We have hopes of winning all the 154 panchayats. It is possible with the support of people of Udupi. If any person contests in the election, he would definitely win against the Opposition party's representative."

BJP state general secretary Mahesh Tenginkai, Geetha Vivekananda state president, Mahila Morcha, S Muniswamy MP Kolar, Uday Kumar Shetty in-charge of Mangaluru division, Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, BJP district president Kuilady Suresh Naik , Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon, Dinakar Babu president, zilla panchayat, Somanath Kotian, Sheela K Shetty, zilla panchayat vice president, Yashpal Suvarna, Naveen Kutyaru and others were present.