Udupi : Congress leader U R Sabhapathy said the party is strong enough as it does not require any individual for sustenance.

Speaking to media persons here on Friday, he said that the expelled party leader K Jayaprakash Hegde should have taken the development positively because his decision would not result in loss to the party. Instead, it would be a massive setback for him, he added.

The former MLA observed that Hegde is an intellectual politician and he could have waited for his turn.It is not that the party had sidelined him. In fact, he has received sufficient opportunities than any other leaders in the party.

“He has also represented the party in the Lok Sabha. Hegde was convinced till the last moment. However, he was stubborn enough to ignore the senior leaders in the party, including the chief minister and KPCC president. Hegde seems to be a power monger these days and has forgotten the party ethics. He should also have thought about the people who are still waiting for an opportunity even after serving the party for many years. They remain in the party irrespective of whatever their positions are,” he added.

Asserting that Prathpachandra Shetty is an active politician even at the grassroots level, Sabhapathy said Shetty is the suitable candidate who can raise various issues in the Legislative Council.

He said Shetty is the unanimous selection of all the Congress workers and the selection was made in consultation with the party workers.

“Shetty had decided not to contest the election. But the party leaders and workers convinced him to contest as everyone felt that he is the only candidate who can reflect the party concern over the problems confronting the laymen,” he said and added that MLAs also have the responsibility towards ensuring the victory for the party candidate.

“It is impossible that the elected representatives turn their back towards the party and the candidate. Shetty always echoed the voice of the gram panchayat workers and he supported their cause. There are 230 gram panchayats and 158 gram panchayats in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi respectively. There are nearly 3,465 gram panchayat members in Dakshina Kannada and 2,477 gram panchayats members in Udupi. So, one can expect the easy win for Congress. Altogether, there are 5,942 members and the Congress candidate can expect half of the votes as the first preference votes,” he added.