Udupi : I have good opinion and supporters, but not transformed. Party workers supported me, but the support did not transpire into votes. After the election, I understood the differences in the party, said Jayaprakash Hegde who was expelled for the congress party for contesting as an independent candidate.

While speaking with the media persons at a Press Club in Udupi, he said that he must be thankful to his supporters and workers for the support given to him during the MLC elections. I had good support in the twin district to contest in the elections. But I am hurt with the elections results. I had good opinion in twin districts. My oppositions in the elections have ministers, MLA’s, elected representatives to canvas and also due to important values that money transpire into votes.

He said that the main reason for the loss in the election is that Congress lured the voters into money, tremendous pressure and also exploited their religious sentiments. I told you in the earlier press meet that there were differences of opinion in the party before the elections and I informed Oscar Fernandes about that. Even I had also brought notice of the Chief Minister about the lack of coordination in the party. But both of them were not interested in it.

I lost the election. I tried my best to win the election. But tremendous pressure I got effected. How congress party worked hard in this election has not worked during the MP election. I don’t say that I would have won if this much hard work shown during MP election, I would have won the MP election. I felt very bad about the partiality with me. I never gone against the party. I used to visit every meetings’. I tried best for the party. My heart was very clear for the party. Now also I have very good supporters with group of youngsters. I try my best to youngsters for their better career.

Regarding the future course of action, he said he would consult his supporters whatever the decisions. As of now I contested as an independent and will remain in independent. But I can’t be idle. I will do my best for the people even though I lost the elections.
He said that in congress, any candidate could have won because there are ministers, MLA’s, and others to support. I never criticized for any one intentionally. Pratapchandra Shetty should attend the meetings. He should work for the development of local bodies and panchayats.

The loss of Chikkamagaluru will be a great concern to him. One of reasons that I have many supporters who do not support congress party and that might be reason for the defeat of Congress candidate, he said.

Asking about the relations of Congress leader Bhujanga Shetty, he said that he has very good relation and he is with him and hope he will continue his support to him.

Rajesh Shetty Birthi, Former Brahmavar Block Congress President, Harish Shetty Cherkadi, President of Cherkadi Grama Panchayat, Kishore, Godwin Menezes and others were present.