Mithun Rai, Congress’ new face for Dakshina Kannada seat

Mangaluru: For the first time in four decades, Congress leaders have picked a new face and Youth Congress leader, Mithun Rai, as the candidate in Dakshina Kannada constituency for next month's Lok Sabha constituency, in an effort to boost the morale of young party workers in the coastal region.

Mr Rai was the choice of central leaders of the party who ignored other aspirants including former ministers B Ramanath Rai and Vinay Kumar Sorake who are obviously miffed with the decision of these leaders.  Mr Mithun Rai has maintained good relations with a majority of leaders of the state unit of Congress, and his selection has helped boost the morale of young party workers who have decided to work round the clock for his victory. 

"It was a longstanding demand to field a fresh face from DK as there is a need to boost the morale of youth in the party. He, however, is known for his attitude and therefore has rubbed many leaders the wrong way. His knowledge about the party and the ability to speak is also very weak," remarked a party leader, adding "He is criticised for being soft on Hindutva. Besides, many block Congress leaders in Dakshina Kannada are unhappy with Mithun Rai.

There is a gap between many senior Congress leaders and Mithun. Without filling this gap and taking everybody into confidence, Mithun might find it difficult to get solid support from within the party."  The party had adopted a similar policy in 1977, announcing the candidature of Mr B Janardhan Poojary, then a young advocate in Mangaluru. He served as Union minister of state for finance and remained the party candidate till 2014, making way for another former Union minister M Veerappa Moily, in 1999 and 2004.