I will win polls, says Rajendra Kumar

M N Rajendra Kumar and candidates backed by him won the elections held to the 16 posts of directors of South Canara District Central Cooperative (SCDCC).

The elections were held on the premises of SCDCC on Friday after Sahakara Bharathi challenged the unanimous selection of directors.

The representatives of different co-operative societies in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts exercised their franchise in the elections conducted from 9 am to 4 pm.

Supporters of SCDCC President M N Rajendra Kumar burst crackers no sooner Mangaluru division Assistant Commissioner and Election Returning Officer Ravichandra declared the results.

“The co-operative societies recognising my contributions to co-operative sector for the past 25 years had helped me win the elections,” Kumar said.

Kumar, addressing mediapersons after the elections, recollected that when he became the president of SCDCC Bank, 25 years ago, there was no development. “But after I assumed power, the bank begun making profits and people begun benefitting by the bank’s many schemes.”

“I will initiate developmental works in Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency if I am voted to power,” he said while replying to a query on whether Congress would field him as their candidate.

“As they have supported me (SCDCC elections), people would support me If I choose to contest in the Lok Sabha election,” he said.

“I know I will definitely win irrespective of whoever is pitted against me,” he said and added that he had turned down the invitation of top Congress leaders to hold discussions on his candidature as he had decided to give priority to the elections in his bank.

“Though I had not applied for the ticket, I am ready to contest if the party selects me,” he added.

Reacting to Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary’s objections to his candidature, Kumar said he does not attach much importance to the senior leader’s statements.

“I was the president of Congress Publicity Committee, when Poojary was contesting in previous Lok Sabha polls. I do not know why Poojary gave such a statement,” he said.