A progressive farmer
U Rajesh Naik, who is contesting against minister for forest, environment and ecology B Ramanath Rai, in the
Bantwal assembly constituency, is widely perceived as a ‘soft person’ rather than a politician in his constituency. Though popular in his constituency, not only as a politician, but as a
dairy farmer at his Oddoor Farms in Tehnkayedapadavu village, Naik did not win the 2013 assembly election against Rai. But he succeeded in bagging 40.86% votes. Naik’s hopes this time around are pinned on his increasing popularity, party base and backing of RSS and its leader,
Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat.
You lost against Rai in the last polls. What’s your strategy this time?
In the 2013 election, I was a newcomer. The situation inside the party was also different then. Most BJP leaders were not with us and there was confusion. Still I bagged 63,815 votes against Rai. I don’t think it will be difficult for me to get majority this time as I have been with the people for the past five years.
Do you think the candidature of SDPI will be to your advantage?
I am not thinking about my opponents. I am following positive politics with the goal of winning. I am thinking only about my campaign and our party’s vote. I consider all candidates as my opponents.
Will the absence of KJP benefit you?
Though KJP did not get much support in the previous election in Bantwal, we lost many leaders. Further, there were apprehensions of people turning against us. However, the situation is very clear and favourable this time, and the party is united.
You are considered a soft politician. Your take?
I consider this is my strength. People don’t want riots and lawlessness, they want peace and harmony. People have witnessed the atrocities, riots and killings that took place in Bantwal constituency in the past five years.
What will be your priority after winning?
Development of the constituency is my overall aim and priority is to introduce underground drainage to Bantwal. People of Bantwal taluk and Mangaluru City drink water pumped from Nethravati river. Hence, underground drainage in Bantwal town is most essential. If Nethravati river is polluted, it will affect the health of the people of Bantwal and Mangaluru City too. However, this issue has never been discussed seriously by the government.
Will Hindutva sentiments and the influence of Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat turn into votes for you?
Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat is a senior leader of the RSS and his influence on the electorate is significant. Undoubtedly, his ideologies will help our party to a victory, not only in my constituency, but also in all the eight segments in Dakshina Kannada district.
