Udupi– The transfer of leadership in the Udupi district BJP unit turned emotionally charged as outgoing president Kishore Kumar Kundapura voiced his discontent with the party’s internal decisions.
At the event held at the BJP district office, Kuthyar Naveen Shetty officially took charge as the new president. However, the spotlight shifted to Kishore’s heartfelt and pointed speech, where he alleged that factors like community identity, financial strength, and public image influenced his removal rather than merit or performance.
Kishore shared that his political journey had been full of personal sacrifices, stating he built the party office in Kundapura mostly with borrowed funds. “I was asked to contest the MLA election when no one else was ready. I lost, took on debt, and still continued serving the party,” he said.
Though appointed for a 16-month term, he claimed that actual authority lasted only 8 months, and his removal was decided without prior intimation. “I received a call from a senior leader only after the official order had already been issued. That was painful,” he stated.
Refuting allegations of financial misdeeds, Kishore said, “I never collected funds or misused my role. I spent from my own pocket. I don’t need empty recognition—so I declined a farewell felicitation.”
He closed with a dignified tone, expressing gratitude toward the party, while highlighting the lack of respect in the transition process. His comments have stirred debate within party circles in coastal Karnataka.
Read Also: