Chikkamagaluru : Pramod Madhwaraj, the Congress – JD(S) coalition candidate from Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency, promised to find solutions to various problems in the constituency, including forest land encroachments through legal remedies.

He was addressing the gathering during Congress – JD(S) – CPI workers’ meet in Chikkamagaluru on Thursday.

Madhwaraj said that the implementation of the Kasturirangan report will hinder the growth of the Malnad region. “There is a need to protect the rights of forest dwellers as well,” he said and assured of protecting the interests of coffee and areca growers too.

“If elected as MP, I will reside in Chikkamagaluru and will visit the villages to listen to the problems of the people. I will also work from the grassroots-level,” he promised.

Taking a dig at the BJP candidates, Madhwaraj said that the BJP leaders and candidates have been seeking votes for Narendra Modi. “How can one offer a bride’s hand by seeing the groom’s father?” he criticised.

“Those who seek votes for Modi should go to Varanasi. I will book them railway tickets if they are willing to go,” he taunted.

CPI district committee secretary H M Renukaradhya said that the CPI’s aim is to defeat Modi. “Therefore, the party supports the coalition candidate Pramod Madhwaraj,” he added.

BJP leaders have been dividing the people on the basis of caste, the leader said.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary K Muhammed and JD(S) state committee vice president H H Devraj were present at the meeting.