Udupi: “I have not committed any sin, but have consented to the request of party workers to contest for the MLC polls,” said Pratapchandra Shetty, sitting MLC and Congress party candidate for the upcoming MLC polls. He was addressing media persons at the Press Club, here on December 8.
“I had announced of not contesting the elections in a farewell programme and on other occasions. Party workers insisted me to contest for the MLC polls and had also staged a protest in front of my house. I was in a dilemma and soon I interacted with Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Feranandes and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The party has given me the ticket for contesting in the MLC elections and with the support of the party workers and the people, I am confident of winning the elections.”
While asked about the dissent in the party over giving him the ticket for MLC elections, he said that everyone has the right to speak. “The efforts made to strengthen the local authorities are known to the people and party workers. The dissent will be settled when the party leaders will intervene,” he added.
Gopal Poojary, MLA Byndoor Constituency and President of District Congress Committee, said that Jayaprakash Hegde and Bhujanga Shetty both were present in the party meeting where the decision was taken to re-elect Pratapchandra Shetty. “I have confidence that Jayaprakash Hegde and Bhujanga Shetty will support us and they will withdraw their nominations. When asked if the party would initiate disciplinary action if they continued to contest in the polls, he replied, “It is left to the KPCC to decide.”
Pramod Madhwaraj said that Oscar Fernandes has presented his consultations with the district Congress, ministers and elected representatives to AICC and the AICC has accordingly given the ticket to Pratapchandra Shetty.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, Minister for Urban Development and Minister in charge of district, said that the differences regarding MLC elections will be settled as the Chief Minister and party high command has intervened.