Mangaluru: Former MLA and Congress leader Vijay Kumar Shetty on April 25 said that he would take decision to join the election campaigning in Mangaluru North Constituency after meeting Rahul Gandhi on April 27.
At a press meet here, Vijay Kumar Shetty said, “Since 1972, I have been working for the Congress party in various capacities. Even during 2013 elections, my name was approved by AICC for the ticket in Mangaluru North Constituency. As senior Congress leader A K Antony had assured me an MLC seat, I have given the opportunity to Mohiuddin Bava to contest this election.”
Shetty also claimed that he had given an opportunity to Mohiuddin Bava on humanitarian grounds. Moreover, he said that he lacked the funds to contest elections against Krishna Palemar of BJP.
Vijaya Kumar Shetty also informed that he was hurt as the earlier assurance given to him was not fulfilled. “Now AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal and Vishnunathan promised to fulfill the earlier assurances. I will meet AICC president Rahul Gandhi on April 27 to discuss the matter further”, Shetty added.
Disagreeing that he was denied ticket for taking part against Yettinahole, Vijay Kumar Shetty said, “I had joined the agitation against the project out of my concern for the people of Dakshina Kannada and its future generation.” Further he added, “Even when I am selected as an MLC, I will continue to protest against Yettinahole.”
Without naming anyone, Shetty also alleged that because of a few Congress leaders, he had missed the ticket from Mangaluru North Constituency.
