Udupi: Jayaprakash Hegde, a veteran politician who rejoined Congress from BJP recently, was announced as the candidate for Udupi-Chikmagaluru Lok Sabha constituency, in the second list released by Congress on Thursday evening.
He is up against BJP's Kota Srinivas Poojary, who is the current Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.
Jayaprakash Hegde, born in Korgi, Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, began his political career as an advocate. He was elected to state Legislative Assembly three times as an independent candidate from Brahmavara constituency and served as Minister of Ports and Fisheries. He was the Minister in charge of the undivided Mangalore and Udupi Districts.
Because of his efforts and determination, Udupi was carved as an independent district in 1997. When Brahmavara constituency ceased to exist, he joined the Congress party in order to survive politically. Hegde was elected to the Lok Sabha after emerging victorious in the by-elections held to Udupi-Chikmagaluru Lok Sabha constituency in 2012.
Following some internal conflict within the Congress, he later joined the BJP. He rejoined the Congress party when sidelined by the BJP. Hegde said the party's election campaign should focus on local issues and problems. He told reporters that, unlike other candidates, he will not seek votes on behalf of others.
He will seek votes in his name. He agreed that not all votes from Bunt community will be polled in his favour. "Not all votes from Billava community will go to Kota Srinivasa Poojary either. Ours is a secular culture. Public opinion matters. Simplicity alone will not suffice, but, devotion to labour will," he stressed.
"I have never criticised the opponent in any election," he said and added that he will seek votes on the basis of his past works," Hegde stressed.
Published 21 March 2024, 18:49 IST