Pics: Justin D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Apr 3: J P Hegde, the Lok Sabha (LS) Congress candidate for the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency, filed his nomination on Wednesday, April 3, at the Udupi deputy commissioner’s office. Senior Congress leader Motamma, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, Congress campaign committee chairman and president of Chikkamagaluru Congress, Dr Amshumanth Gowda, Karnataka government energy minister K J George, and others were present during the nomination process.

Expressing his aspirations, J P Hegde stated, "Within 20 months, I have initiated multiple development works in both Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts. I seek this opportunity to fulfill the pending projects which were initiated during my previous term. Both districts face distinct challenges, with issues ranging from coffee and arecanut cultivation in Chikkamagaluru to coastal tourism, fishermen's concerns, education, and health in Udupi. Strengthening the guarantee schemes is crucial, and we must promote and publicize them. Had the central government created 2 crore jobs, we would witness the creation of 20 crore jobs today, not just me.”

Vinay Kumar Sorake emphasized, "There is apprehension regarding the fairness of upcoming elections. Government agencies like IT, ED, and CBI are allegedly being used against the opposition. J P Hegde's inclusion is a significant asset to Congress. According to recent intelligence reports, Congress is projected to win 17 seats in Karnataka, including Udupi-Chikkamagaluru. Currently, media is largely owned by Adani and Ambani, often concealing the true reality. The establishment of Udupi district is a testament to J P Hegde's contributions. Our primary objective should be to secure victory for J P Hegde in this election. Let us set aside our differences and unite towards this goal.”

Critiquing Shobha Karandlaje, Sorake remarked, "Shobha Karandlaje's incomplete work in Santhekatte stands as her greatest achievement. She lacks substantial achievements to showcase.”

K J George remarked, "J P Hegde has been chosen as the candidate, but he does not stand alone; all Congress leaders are candidates. We must collectively strive as candidates ourselves.”

Motamma criticized the BJP, stating, "The BJP has fostered division in society along religious lines in this region. However, we must remind them that we too are inheritors of Hindu religion and its temples. Our schemes continue to benefit people today, and we must educate the youth against communalism. J P Hegde is a commendable individual, and we must ensure his victory and work towards it.”

Congress leaders Gopal Poojary, Prasadraj Kanchan, Gayathri Shantegowdar, Sandeep, AICC secretary Shivananda Swamy, guarantee committee president B H Harish, Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, working president, B M Sukumar Shetty, Uday Shetty Muniyalu, Ramesh Kanchan, Dinakar Heroor, MLAs Rajegowda, G H Srinivas, Nayana Motammaa, and other leaders were present.