Puttur Congress worker Hakeem Koornadka declared on Thursday, September 3, that he would contest the next election as an independent candidate if the party nominates current Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai. Speaking at a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club, Koornadka also recounted an alleged assault by Rai's supporters two days prior, demanding a thorough, impartial police investigation into the incident and other public allegations against the MLA.
Koornadka stated that on September 1, while he held a press conference at the Puttur Press Bhavan, supporters of MLA Rai attempted to assault him, accusing him of not being a Congress worker. He credited media personnel present for intervening and de-escalating the situation. Even after the press briefing concluded, Koornadka alleged, the MLA arrived with his supporters and tried to confront him directly.
"An impartial and comprehensive investigation by the police department is essential, free from any political pressure," Koornadka urged, demanding legal action against the culprits. He also accused Ashok Rai and his supporters of associating with individuals implicated in the murder of Congress leader Jaleel Karopady, stating his readiness to pursue legal recourse through the courts.
Koornadka questioned the MLA's commitment to party principles and worker interests, particularly given Rai's past political affiliations with the BJP. He highlighted several publicly discussed incidents, including allegations of threatening the poor with a gun and police involvement at a cockfight venue in Vittal. Koornadka demanded clear answers from the MLA regarding these matters, emphasizing that a public representative must address constituent's questions rather than resort to threats. "My voice will not be suppressed," he affirmed. He also called for introspection among party workers and senior Congress leaders in the Puttur region regarding their current silence.
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📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK