Madhwaraj contesting as a coalition candidate will not matter much: Karandlaje

Shobha Karandlaje, who has two roles simultaneously, firstly as the BJP state general secretary and MP from Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, is now contesting for a second term. Even though the critics in her party and a section of netizens feel that she has been very partial to her constituency, she contemplates that she has done what an MP needs to do and that is to be the representative of all her citizens at the Parliament and wherever it matters. Her constituency is spread across the coast and the Malnad region. Excerpts:

There were murmurs regarding your candidature and also a campaign against you…

The campaign was conducted by the netizens. They are not favorable by the BJP and our workers are not invloved. It is they who originated the campaign. I have initiated the growth and development that a constituency wants, which includs getting a Passport Seva Kendra, Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery to Udupi, upgradation of state highways to national highways, doubling of railway tracks electrification and a host of other projects. Even though, I do a lot of work, I still did not publicize it.

How did these murmurs originate?

I had specifically shown no interest to fight these Lok Sabha polls as at one time, there were many contenders for the party ticket. But when the party demanded that I contest, I took up the responsibility. This must have prompted discontentment amongst other candidates. The BJP is a democratic set up and all have the right to contest polls.

Your opponents describe you as an absentee MP and say that you are an outsider…

This is deception. I was employed with administrative responsibilities and it was essential for me to travel across the state, being the general secretary of the state unit of the BJP. My opponents have targeted me as I could not limit myself only to the constituency.

What is your assessment of Pramod Madhwaraj as your primary opponent?

In BJP, regardless of the party that he or she is from any political opposer in an election is an opposer. Madhwaraj contesting as a coalition candidate will not matter much. It was just 10 months ago that the electorate in Udupi pronounced judgement on Madhwaraj and the electoral atmosphere has not changed significantly in this period.