Ticket denial: Sathyajith Surathkal hits out at MP Kateel, RSS leader Prakash

Mangaluru, Apr 23: Hardline Hindutva leader Sathyajith Surathkal has publicly slammed Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and RSS Prantha Pramukh P S Prakash for allegedly preventing the party high command from issuing him the ticket.

Sathyajith, who is also BJP Backward Classes Morcha State Secretary, was the party ticket aspirant from Mangaluru City North constituency apart from former minister Krishna J Palemar. However, in a surprise move the party has issued B Form to young candidate Dr Bharath Shetty.

Speaking at a meeting of his supporters at Hosabettu in Surathkal on Sunday, he said, “Mr Kateel and Mr Prakash are also responsible for the denial of ticket to me. I have been working for the Sangha for the last 35 years. My followers are pressurising me to contest as an independent candidate.”

He gave an ultimatum to the party high command to change their decision, saying he would wait till 10 am on April 23. “After 10 am on Monday, I will decide my future course of action.”

He sought the reason for denial of ticket and said: “I do not believe the statement that party tickets have been issued based on a survey. I do not believe that the decision to finalise the ticket was taken by BJP National President.”

“I had worked hard for the victory of Mr Kateel during the last Lok Sabha election. It was the party workers who nurtured me,” he said.