Mangaluru: As one more Congress leader expressed his desire to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, on Friday, February 8, the total number of ticket aspirants from Mangaluru Lok Sabha constituency has increased to four now.
Senior Congress leader U K Monu convened a press conference in the city and informed that he has been serving in the Congress party from the past four decades. “Though I have attempted to secure a ticket twice in vain. Hence, the party should consider my sincere service which I rendered in the past 40 years”, he said.
Meanwhile, he said that the votes of the minority community play a vital role in the victory of a candidate in Dakshina Kannada district. “As I have the full confidence of winning the election with the support of both Hindu and Muslim leaders in Congress, the High Command should consider my candidature from Mangaluru constituency”, he appealed.
It may be noted that former union minister B Janardhana Poojary, MLC Ivan D’Souza and former minister Ramanath Rai have already disclosed their aspiration for the ticket aspirants from Mangaluru Lok Sabha constituency. With U K Monu also pitching in now, it would really be a tough task for the Congress High Command to select a final candidate in this constituency.
When asked what would be his move if fails to secure a ticket to contest in the election, U K Monu said that he had complete trust on his party high command. “I am sure that the party would allow me to contest this time. However, I will support those candidates who are able to secure ticket”, he said.
Meanwhile, Dakshina Kanada district Youth Congress president Mithun Rai is also a strong contender for MP ticket from Mangaluru. He was an aspirant for Congress ticket during the assembly election from Moodbidri constituency last year. His name is also cropping up for Lok Sabha seat from Mangaluru now.
Congress leaders T M Shaheed, Hussain Katipalla, Usman Kallapu among others were present.
