Udupi seer creates history, enters poll fray

Udupi: In a first, Sri Lakshmivara Teertha Swamiji of Shirooru Math, one of the eight Maths established by Saint Madhwacharya, the proponent of Dwaitha philosophy, entered electoral politics by submitting his nomination papers in this temple town on Saturday.

The seer originally sought a BJP ticket, but chose to contest as an independent, in the wake of the party's decision to field K Raghupathi Bhat, who also belongs to the same Shivalli Madhva community like the seer. Interestingly, he offered pooja to Goddess Mahishamardhini at Kadiyali, at a temple located about two km from the famous temple of Lord Krishna, before submitting his nomination papers.

The seer told the media: "I am filing nomination as an independent candidate and I am confident of winning. I will not withdraw my nomination. If Mr Modi and Mr Amit Shah try to convince me then I will think about it. If I win as independent candidate then I will support Mr Modi."He said he had started campaigning in Udupi though he was a supporter of the BJP and had voted for the party for several years. 

Sources in the local unit of BJP said the seer had differences with Mr Bhat over some business related issues and therefore took a decision to contest the polls. "It is his anger against Mr Bhat which has made him to contest the election. The party will try its best to convince him. We are hopeful that he will be convinced and withdraw his nomination. If he contests the election then it will impact our party. He is from Shivalli Brahmin community and so is Mr Raghupathi Bhat. Not only the community votes but also Hindu votes and BJP votes will be divided. Even if the swamiji gets just 2000 votes, it will definitely damage the prospects of our party," sources added. 

Meanwhile, Mr Raghupathy Bhat told the media he would meet the seer and convince him to withdraw his nomination papers.