Udupi: One becomes a leader by investing, collecting and spending money to win elections and multiplying money by making politics as a business, said Sandalwood actor turned politician Upendra.
Addressing media persons at Udupi Press Club on December 6, Upendra said that the system of politics should be changed and he had formed the party in order to make the benefits reach the common people. “I am striving to bring about a ‘Prajakeeya’ change in the present day ‘Rajakiya'”, he added. Harping on the need to bring present day politics from the morass that it finds itself in and make it both cashless and casteless, the actor said he intends to do with his new political outfit Karnataka Prajnavanta Janata Paksha (KPJP). “Huge party funds for the party’s development and the hierarchical structure I believe, is not in favour of the common people”, he said.
He said that using crores of funds for the electioneering, big processions, rallies and meetings, flex and banners to project leaders was a criminal waste and was done by those who thought that if they spent money for the electioneering, they could recover the money spent in elections. “Our party does not have such funds and it is only a constitutional platform for a group of like-minded people to contest the elections. We may win or fail in the assembly elections in 2018 but Prajakeeya wants to make a mark with issue and development based politics”, he said.
“Personal criticising and blame game with personal agenda are not the right things. Reject leaders. We need only super workers. People’s money should be spent for their welfare through proper understanding of the problems and providing smart solutions with honesty and complete transparency and a vision for overall development”, he said.
“To contest the elections, a candidate requires complete understanding of the problems of the state and their respective constituency and provide solutions with accurate knowledge of how much money is required and the time taken to complete it. Each step can be taken with complete transparency by being in constant touch with the people. Interacting with people to understand the problems or issues of the constituency and finding potential solutions is the right process of work procedure”, he opined.
“Unite people to create a cordial atmosphere for developing every section of the society. Using caste, creed and religion to divide and rule cannot be tolerated,” he said.
Upendra said that he had received 50,000 mails so far and applications were being scrutinised. “It would be easier with the app and website for the people to communicate with us freely. We need people who make healthy discussions and meaningful debates with mutual respect to find solutions and we do not need educational qualifications or other qualifications. However, we need to work hard with the people to solve their grievances.”
“I do not hold any grudge against the other political parties. My intention is to spread the truth among people. The party is likely to come out with the election manifesto by the end of January”, Upendra disclosed.
