If Rajendra Kumar, Ivan are given chance in LS poll, will contest against: Poojary

Mangaluru: Former union minister and senior Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary said that he would contest in the election if Congress ticket is given to aspirant M N Rajendra Kumar or MLC Ivan D’Souza.

Speaking to media on Thursday March 14^th, Mr Poojary said, “As election dates are announced, several names are in the race to contest in the election, namely Ramanath Rai, M N Rajendra Kumar, B K Hariprasad and Vinay Kumar Sorake. But I will strongly oppose the candidature of M N Rajendra Kumar. If ticket is given to Rajendra Kumar, I will contest against him.”

“There are several corruption charges against M N Rajendra Kumar which are highlighted in media. He is lobbying to get ticket from the high command. I am ready to support B K Hariprasad or Ramanath Rai if ticket is given to them, but I strongly oppose M N Rajendra Kumar as a contestant,” said Mr Poojary.

“Within two days, I will meet Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and demand ticket for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, I will ask them not to give ticket to M N Rajendra Kumar,” he added.

Responding to a question on who would win the elections he replied, “It depends on the opinion of the public who are demanding me to contest in the elections, especially the Konkani community people in Mangaluru. There is no difficulty in eradicating corruption from the country if you have a clear vision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also fighting to eradicate corruption. We need leaders like Modi.”

Replying to a question on MLC Ivan D’Souza as a ticket aspirant Mr Poojary said, “I am sure he will not get the ticket and if he gets one, I will contest against him too.”

He spoke on the fielding of JD(S) candidate in Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency and Uttar Kannada, Poojary said, “This decision has to be changed. When I visit Delhi to meet the high command, I will recommend party leaders to change their decision,” he said.