Lok Sabha elections: Poojary to contest as independent if Congress gives ticket to SCDCC Bank chairman Rajendra Kumar

MANGALURU: Former union minister and veteran Congress leader

B Janardhana Poojary

, who is also an aspirant of ticket from the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, asserted that he will contest as a rebel if the party gives ticket to MN Rajendra Kumar, the chairman of SCDCC Bank.


Poojary said several corruption allegations against Kumar have been reported by the media and the party should not issue ticket to a corrupt candidate.

At a press conference held on Mangaluru on Thursday, Poojary also said he will not oppose candidature of former ministers B Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake or AICC general secretary BK Hariprasad.

“Newspapers have written about his (Kumar’s) corruption several times. There is nothing wrong in what has come in newspapers. It is sure that I will oppose if Congress gives ticket to Rajendra Kumar. I will contest against Rajendra Kumar. He is facing graft allegations. Poojary has not swindled money meant for poor,” Poojary said.

“In democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections. Each one of our party worker will contest if they get ticket. I reiterate that I am also an aspirant and I will contest if I get ticket. I will be going to Delhi to meet party chief Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, AK Antony and other national leaders. People want me to contest, especially Konakani (GSB) community members have been requesting me to contest election. They have agreed to carry out door-to-door campaign for me. They are of the opinion that the nation is immersed in corruption. Hence, they want me to contest,” Poojary said.

Poojary lauds PM Modi

Poojary also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "one who fights corruption."

Poojary said he personally believes PM Modi will be successful in his fight against corruption.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fighting corruption in the nation. He will succeed in his fight; he should succeed. Leaders like Modi should grow strongly in politics if we have to wipe out corruption from the nation. This is my personal opinion. He is giving very good administration,” said the Congress leader.

On Congress’ allegations against Modi with regard to the Rafale deal, Poojary said, “allegations against him have not been proved.”