Mangaluru : Legislative Council election independent candidate K Jayaprakash Hegde said on Thursday that he is confident of winning the election.

Addressing media persons in the city, he said internal problems of Congress party have nothing to do with people and if the candidate is non-corrupt and good, nothing will stop him from winning.

Hegde said several Congress party workers have been supporting him because he has been instrumental in the implementation of many development works in the region. “I am in constant touch with the people and the party workers though I was defeated in the Lok Sabha election. As a result, I have been getting a positive response wherever I go,” he claimed.

He said there is no need to respond to personal criticisms and added that he would rather involve in issue-based discussions on development.

Hegde said active representation is important than the glorification of ministership. “There was a good opinion about me in the party till the moment I contested in Legislative Council election as an independent candidate. The people, who praised me earlier, are criticising me now. This is dramatic,” he remarked.

Hegde said that he had spoken about the problems of common people in Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha. “Various development works were implemented in railways, aviation and road transport sectors during my tenure. I also played a key role in sanctioning of Rs 12 crore from the State government towards Brahmavar Sugar factory dues. I have also worked for the development of fishermen community,” he claimed.

He observed that there should be internal democracy in political parties and the workers should be taken into confidence.

‘Won’t return to Cong’
Congress leader Harikrishna Bantwal, who is contesting the election, said he will not return to the party as long leader Oscar Fernandes is there.

Addressing mediapersons here on Thursday, he regretted that Congress does not have a culture of honouring those who work for it. “I don’t want to remain as a slave in the party,” Harikrishna said and parties should an environment where workers become masters.

Veteran leader B Janardhan Poojary has also been sidelined though he worked hard throughout his life for the party. “Injustice is being meted out to at least 80 per cent of the workers in Congress,” he charged.

“While Parliamentarians, Ministers and MLAs are backing Congress and BJP candidates, the party workers would support me,” he said and added that party workers are not satisfied with the candidature of Pratapchandra Shetty and it will be known after the results.