Independent moots statehood for DK, Udupi

Venkatesh Bende is contesting as an independent candidate from Dakshina Kannada constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Bende told mediapersons at Patrika Bhavan here, on Wednesday, that he hails from Navara village in Belthangady taluk and had contested in 2013 and 2018 Assembly elections. He is works as a reporter in a local media.

Mooting separate statehood for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, he said, “This will help in dropping unscientific projects like Netravathy river diversion.”

There is a need to include Tulu language into the Eight schedule of the Indian constitution. The fishermen should be provided with all facilities, he said.

Bende added that many Tulu organisations had extended their support to his candidature.