Priority now to strengthen BJP in areas where it is weak: Madhwaraj

Udupi: In just two days after joining the Pramod Madhwaraj attended the meeting of the political party’s state office-bearers on Tuesday. After his return to the district, Madhwaraj spoke to Udayavani in an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts of the same.

Asked about the rumors about his imminent resignation from Congress for the past 4 years, Madhwaraj said ” I did not know about joining BJP till 2.45 PM on May 7. I got a call from Chief Minister (Basavaraj Bommai) to attend a function. It was a decision taken quickly on the request by the state president.”

On the question of quitting the Congress, Madhwaraj clarified that there was no problem from the state or the national leaders. There were problems in the district organization, he said and added that it was disheartening to see that the high command did not take action even after the problems were brought to their notice.

Talking about his priorities in the new party, Madhwaraj said that the priority is to strengthen the party in areas where it is weak. “Winning more than 150 seats is the BJP’s goal for now,” he added.

To a question about the criticisms about and from the BJP functionaries, including Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, he said “Opposition should criticize me when I am in power. They cannot go on praising all the time. I had criticized Narendra Modi on some issues. Then I appreciated his handling of the COVID situation too.”

Madhwaraj added that he would not have been included into BJP if Raghupati Bhat had objected to it. “Bhat has a big heart,” he said.

In a message to his loyal followers in the Congress, Madhwaraj said “For those who want to continue their association with me, there is an opportunity to join the BJP. Those who remain loyal to Congress have every right to do so.”