Kannada Actor Upendra Star of ‘Uttama Prajaakeeya Party’ interacts with Kudla Journos
Mangaluru: After quitting Karnataka Pragnyavantara Janata Paksha (KPJP), which he appropriated to launch his political career a year ago, actor Upendra Rao has now officially launched his ‘own’ Uttama Prajaakeeya Party (UPP). As the acronym of the new political party – UPP – is similar to his nickname ‘Uppi’ and sensing the possibility of it turning out to be more about Upendra himself, the actor in a cinematic fashion let the ‘I’ burn out to say the party belonged to everyone. Upendra has launched UPP when the polls to the Lok Sabha were just eight months away, in September 2018.
Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangaluru Press Club, Upendra joined by Party’s candidate contesting in Mangaluru Vijaya Shreenivas hailing from Bengaluru,( a driver by profession) said, “The party’s manifesto is based on concept of ART (Accountability, Responsibility, Transparency) of governance. The party’s macro manifesto is in place, but what we need is the micro manifesto. We have spent a lot of time in getting the party registered and launching it officially. We are contesting in 28 places, and we have already finalized 14 candidates, and the rest 14 candidates names will be announced after 7 April”.
“We are not making any assurances as part of our manifesto- in our manifesto we are asking people- What are your demands? What do you want? And after that their demands/points will be forwarded to the concerned administration, and discuss with te hem resulting to various projects. The finalization of projects will be your decision. A completely transparent report will be placed before you. The decision on our eligibility or ineligibility is with you, people. Which central government do you want from your efficient regional party? What do you want from Central government? The ultimate decision is Yours” added Upendra.
As far as the concept, ideology and selection of candidates for the coming polls from the panchayat level to the Lok Sabha, Upendra largely stuck to the manifesto he drafted for KPJP. People-centric administration with complete transparency; fighting against the making of education, health and public services business propositions; and elected representatives working as servants of people, will be the salient features of UPP, he said Upendra also said his party was not power hungry. Even if delayed, party candidates would enter electoral politics after understanding the principle of the party and its ideals.
“We are not selecting candidates for our Party from rich families, or with strong political backgrounds or high influences- instead our candidates come from middle-class families-who are drivers, tailors, farmers, and such like-minded people. We area also not spending lavishly in crores or lakhs, our each candidate campaign budget is within Rs 50,000. We are neither leaders nor servants. We are workers who work for salary. Ours is an attempt to completely change the system. Erase the one day democracy. UPP for 5 years consistent democracy. Those who come to you only during the elections with the intention of winning are Raajakaaranis. Those who stay in touch with you consistently after winning are PRAJAA-KARANIS. Give UPP a chance, and you’ll notice the difference” said Upendra.
After the press meet, interacting for a while with the journos, Upendra stepped out the press club, and met a few people in the public, and canvased about his party, and sought support from them.