Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 3: Dakshina Kannada (DK) Congress MP candidate Padmaraj R filed his nomination at the DC’s office on Wednesday, April 3, for the upcoming Lok Sabha (LS) elections.

Padmaraj R led a procession from Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara temple to the DC office. The procession was flagged off by veteran Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary.

Accompanying Padmaraj R were minister of state, health and family welfare, and DK district in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao, MLC B K Hariprasad, district Congress president and MLC Harish Kumar, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, former MLAs J R Lobo, Ramanath Rai, and Abhayachandra Jain, former MLC Ivan D’Souza, Congress leaders Mithun Rai and Inayath Ali, as well as corporators.

The procession commenced from Kudroli temple, passing through New Chitra, Car street, GHS road, Clock tower, and concluded at the A B Setty Circle.

Padmaraj filed his nomination with the returning officer and deputy commissioner, Mullai Muhilan.

Dinesh Gundu Rao expressed his happiness, stating, "From Dakshina Kannada, Padmaraj has been selected, and today we have received blessings from Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara temple. I congratulate all the party members and supporters gathered here in large numbers. I want to assure everyone that there is no objection to Padmaraj R participating in the upcoming elections. We will emerge victorious in these elections. The BJP is employing various tactics to secure victory, including electoral bonds and causing trouble in different states by using agencies to target and harass opposition leaders. However, the public is aware of these matters. Despite BJP's criticism during state elections, the Congress party secured 135 seats. With full confidence, I can say that we will win 20 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. I urge the people to vote for Padmaraj and ensure his victory in Dakshina Kannada."

Padmaraj expressed his gratitude, stating, "Today, seeing the happiness and joy in the eyes of the people gathered here, I am confident that the voice of the Congress party has reached everyone. I assure you that this happiness will remain intact in my presence. I have been a humble worker of the Congress party, supporting its cause and understanding the issues faced by both leaders and the public. I am committed to eradicating divisive politics from the district and fostering unity among people of all religious backgrounds. The advantages of having the Congress party in power are evident, and we will make sure to convey our party's values and achievements to every household starting tomorrow. For the next 60 days, I will work tirelessly with the party, and I seek your blessings and support."

B K Hariprasad stated, "Today, from Dakshina Kannada district, Padmaraj has submitted his nomination documents from the Congress party. His selection was endorsed by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, showcasing the party's commitment to bringing new and capable individuals into politics. Padmaraj submitted his nomination alongside Ramanath Rai, Manjunath Bhandari, Abhayachandra Jain, J R Lobo, Innayat Ali, and Harish Kumar. I urge everyone to vote responsibly and recognize the new face of the Congress leadership. This election is not merely about gaining control over territory or population; it's about safeguarding our constitution. At Congress, we believe in discussing topics like development rather than bringing caste and religion into politics. Our primary objective is to protect the constitution, which was achieved through the sacrifices of our freedom fighters."

Regarding BJP's claims about Dakshina Kannada district being a stronghold, Hariprasad responded, "The BJP's stronghold did not endure in Maharashtra, where it was initiated by Savarkar. We cannot confidently say that BJP's strongholds ensure victory, as many of these fortresses have crumbled. The BJP accuses Congress of giving away land to Sri Lanka and blames it for the partition, but they conveniently overlook the formation of Sikkim and the transformation of East Pakistan into Bangladesh, both achieved under Congress rule. Now, their leaders are silent about China's acquisition of around 2,000 sq/km of land. Do they have any plans to reclaim that land? They need to clarify."

In the Lok Sabha election scheduled for April 26 in Dakshina Kannada, Padmaraj will contest against BJP’s Capt Brijesh Chowta.