Mangaluru, Jul 10: Pledging to build Aam Aadmi Party at the grass-root level, Bakila Hukrappa, the former BJP MLA of Sullia constituency has formally joined the Arvind Kejriwal -led party.
The politician-cum-agriculturist was inducted to the APP at a simple ceremony in the city on Saturday in the presence of party's state convener Prithvi Reddy, senior leader Babu Mathews, state co-convener Shantala Damale among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hukrappa said that the AAP government in New Delhi is doing good job and he was joining the party as he believes in the party's principles.
Shantala Damle gave a brief introduction of Hukrappa's political activities. AAP leader Prithvi Reddy said, "Under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi government is showing excellent governance and is implementing pro-people programs"
He said, in Karnataka too, AAP is getting overwhelming support from the common people. The party is planning to strengthen the organization to prepare for the assembly elections that Karnataka will have in 2018, he added.
"The coastal region is fed up with the BJP and the Congress and people are looking forward to a viable political alternative which AAP is ready to provide," he said adding the induction of people such as Hukrappa will only make the party more locally strong.
Mr Hukrappa, who had Sullia constituency in Karnataka Legislative Assembly for 19 months during 1983-84, is known for his simple way of life.
He studied up to PUC (class 12) and was a sportsman during student days. He contested for State Assembly in 1978 but lost. He won 1983 election from Sullia constituency by defeating N.Sheena and became MLA but got defeated during 1985 elections from the same constituency.
Sullia is a reserved constituency for Scheduled Caste candidates and Balappa Hukrappa was a labourer in Areca garden when he was selected as a candidate by Bharathiya Janatha Party for 1983 elections.
He is from humble origin and even after several years of political career, his declared assets during 2008 was 2.53 acre land in Nalkur village, Rs.250 cash in his Savings Bank account and Rs.4000 worth year rings worn by his wife Chaniyaru. He was MLA for 18 months during 1983-84 and was a contributing factor for the development of his constituency.
Hukrappa could not get elected as MLA during succeeding elections and he contested for other elections like Zilla Panchayath where in also he got defeated and as of 2010, he was working as a labourer in Rubber Plantations for his livelihood.
He contested for village level gram panchayath elections and got elected two times.His efforts to earn livelihood as agricultural labour has been appreciated and seen as his sincere contribution to his constituency.
As of 2010, he did not own a house, lived in his father-in-law's house and his main source of income was pension by Government. After living in this for 21 years, he constructed a small house during 2016 and continued to work as daily wager.
Comments
Sullia is though a reserved seat, it's a solid BJP stronghold. BJP gave a ticket to this man who was nowhere until then. But, during that 19 months, he was totally inactive & not taking any interest hence, denied ticket in 1985. He contested on JDS ticket & lost his deposit & lost miserably even in Zp elections.
AAP is boasting of catching a big fish, actually he is having no following in sullia. It's a joke & AAP is specialists in drama as their leader Kejriwal.
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