Mangaluru: In his maiden press conference, former union minister B Janardhana Poojary’s son Santhosh J Poojary sought the support of the voters for Congress-Janata Dal (S) coalition candidate Mithun Rai here on Friday, April 12.
It is known that no member from Janardhana Poojary’s family has had a major exposure in politics so far. However, Poojary’s son broke the tradition by convening a press meet for the first time to seek support for Mithun Rai.
Addressing the reporters, he said that people should elect an able candidate who can discuss the issues of Dakshina Kannada district in the Parliament. “The people of Dakshina Kannada district have been electing the BJP candidates from the past 28 years but not a single major project has come in during their term. Mithun Rai is a good candidate who has the ability to discuss the issues of Dakshina Kannada district in the Parliament. Hence, people should elect Mithun Rai this time”, he opined.
While responding to a query on whether he would enter active politics or if he was expecting any position in the party, Santhosh clarified that he is just a worker in the party. “I have been working for the party since 1977 and I have always preferred to be a party worker. I don’t expect anything from the party. Now, I am seeking public support for our candidate Mithun Rai. I have not decided whether or not to enter active politics yet”, he said.
When questioned about his father Janardhana Poojary blessing BJP candidate Nalin Kumar Kateel and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Santhosh said,”My father never disappoints anybody when they seek his blessings. Hence, when Nalin came to Kudroli temple, my father blessed him. But, it does not mean that he is supporting BJP. Two days later, he participated in Congress’s programme at Town Hall and extended his support to Mithun Rai”, he said.
Meanwhile, Santhosh rubbished the allegations that the Congress party had neglected the Billava community. “Many Billava leaders like Vinay Kumar Sorake, R L Jalappa, Bangarappa, Madhu Bangarappa and my father Janardhana Poojary were allowed to bloom in the party with good positions. Hence, there is no truth in the statement that the Billava community was neglected by Congress party”, he said.
