Mangaluru, Dec 24, 2015: Former MP Jayaprakash Hegde who is contesting the upcoming MLC elections from DK and Udupi as an independent candidate, after the party not only denied a ticket to him but also expelled him for filing nomination, has clarified that he was fighting the election on the basis of principles.
Speaking to reporters here on December 24, Thursday, Hegde said he will not criticise anyone but would definitely answer to the criticisms levelled against him.
Stating that the voters were free to vote without any fear, he said some leaders have been misleading voters stating that their preference while casting their vote would be known to others. He clarified that it is a secret ballot voting, adding no one would know as two whom a member had voted.
On his expulsion from the party, Jayaprakash Hegde said the very same leaders who were all praise for him until recently, have now turned up against him clearly with a political motive. "Instead of personal attacks there should be issue based debates," he opined.
He said he had undertaken various developmental works earlier during his tenure as MP and added that he had requested the voters to cast their votes in his favour considering his works.
On the allegation that Oscar Fernandes was responsible for the denial of Congress ticket to him, Hegde said he did not wish to blame anyone. He also exuded confidence that he will be supported by members irrespective of party lines.
To a question if he would remain an independent or join any other party in the event of him winning the election, Hegde said he would decide after discussing the matter with the party workers.