Vijayapura: Following the rumours that Former Minister and native of Bagalakote District S. R. Patil is expected to get Congress ticket to contest from Devarahipparagi Constituency, has brought all the nine ticket aspirants of the Congress together to oppose any such move of the High Command to offer ticket to the ‘outsider’.
“We have been working for the Party in Devarahipparagi Constituency for the past two years. We know the pulses of the people and they identify with each of the nine aspirants. We have appealed to the Congress High Command to give ticket to any one of the nine aspirants and we will work in unity for candidates in coming polls. But we have our strong reservation for the party offering ticket to any person outside of the District,” said Dr. Prabhugouda Patil.
Noted Opthalmologist and one of the ticket aspirants, told media inpersons on Friday March 17 that even the Congress leaders including Former Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah had asked the nine aspirants to work in unity for the victory of one of the candidates.
“When this was already declared openly in public during the recently held Prajadhwani event in Devarahipparagi, now we hear rumours that the Party is contemplating to offer ticket to S. R. Patil. The news has dismayed and upset all of us,” he said.
Sharing his views, Anandgouda Dodmani, another aspirant said that the nine aspirants have been touring the constituency and building the party.
“We have also organised Prajadhwani event where over 20,000 people had gathered. Since we have been working for the Party here, it would not be apt for the Party to suddenly offer the ticket to some outsider by denying the ticket to us,” he said.
In a veiled caution, he said that the party may end up losing the seat from Devarahipparagi if the ticket is given to the outsider.
Somanath Kallimani, husband of Sujata Kallimani who is one of the aspirants, claimed that S. R. Patil himself, earlier had announced that he is seeking a ticket from any Constituency in Bagalakote District and not from Devarahipparagi.
“Now, suddenly his name crops up in the list and he becomes a contender. Patil is a veteran in Congress Leader and has enjoyed various party positions including as Minister. He should now allow others to grow in my the party,” he said.
However none of the aspirants gave a straight reply when asked whether they will rebel against the party if the ticket is given to S. R. Patil.
“We are confident that the party will consider our views seriously. In any case, we will let the people know our decision after holding consultation if the ticket is given to S. R. Patil,” Dodmani said.
