Asadulla Katpady – youngest contestant in Udupi – Chikmagalur by polls

Asadulla Katpady – youngest contestant in Udupi – Chikmagalur by polls

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Mar 5, 2012 : Asadulla Katpady, the son of late Mohammed Ali, who used to work in the court canteen while getting a law degree, now wants to become a people’s representative. Accordingly, he has filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the upcoming Udupi – Chikmagalur Lok Sabha by polls. Asadulla happens to be the youngest of all those contesting for these by polls.

Although Asadulla practices law, he is more interested in journalism. He won a number of prizes while doing his BA and has been a human rights activist for the past 3 years. He had made news for filing a public interest litigation (PIL) in the High Court against a fishmeal factory in Udyavar, which was wrecking the environment.

Asadulla financed his own education by working part time, right from primary to college. He distributed newspapers and did all sorts of odd jobs, besides working in the court canteen to get his law degree. He told reporters that he has decided to contest just to convey the message that one does not need political influence to contest.

Criticizing the well-known political parties of the time, he said that they approach people only during the elections. He also expressed hopes that the youth will get political prominence as they form nearly 60 percent of the population.