Congress rebel candidate Amrith Shenoy said he will contest from Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency and would not withdraw nomination under any pressure.
Speaking to reporters, Shenoy said his decision was the consequence of party high command’s decision to cede Udupi-Chikmaglur Lok Sabha constituency to JD(S) in the seat-sharing deal. He said he felt ashamed to seek votes for the candidate in the name of JD(S).
Shenoy said he had not taken any decision over tendering resignation to the party membership. He agreed that his decision to contest as an independent candidate was unethical as it was against the party. “However, many people have come forward to support me morally,” he said.
Shenoy said JD(S) was a weak party which had no support in this region. Hence the efforts of Congress members will go waste.
Expressing his dissatisfaction over the high command’s decision, Shenoy said that the decision was taken by the party’s high command without consulting the workers. He said he had also advised Pramod Madhwaraj against becoming the coalition candidate as he had to contest under JD(S) symbol. Shenoy said he cannot accept the fact that Pramod was contesting under JD(S) symbol.
He added that he would raise funds from public and donors and utilise it for the campaigning.
If he was elected from the constituency, he would dedicate himself to it’s growth. Issues like sand mining and farmers problems will be dealt effectively, he added.