Mangalore, April 27: The Congress candidate for Mangalore City South Ivan D'Souza has downplayed reports of dissidence in the party over his candidature and it affecting his poll prospects.

Suresh Ballal, former Mangalore Urban Development Authority chairman, was a strong contender for the party ticket from the constituency and was said to be sulking for not being considered for the Assembly segment by the high command.
Assurance

Addressing presspersons here on Saturday, Mr. D'Souza claimed that Mr. Ballal had assured him of full cooperation in the forthcoming elections. "Mr. Ballal will be with the Congress. He will not contest as an independent as speculated in certain quarters," Mr. D'Souza said and added that he had apprised senior party leaders, including former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily, of Mr. Ballal's unhappiness over the issue.

Mr. Ballal, who was in a meeting with his supporters when contacted, said he would announce his decision later. "I will go by the view they take," he said and added that he was a "Congressman" to date. Party workers loyal to Mr. Ballal want the Congress to field him against the three-time Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and contestant, N. Yogish Bhat.

The last date for filing nominations is April 29.

Sounding upbeat about his prospects, Mr. D' Souza claimed the Congress had a majority in 25 out of 38 wards that constitute the Assembly seat. Mr. D' Souza said even in other booths, the party was trailing its main opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party, by a handful of votes. Claiming that this difference was within striking distance, Mr. D' Souza said the party would go all out to win over the voters in these pockets as well.

On his future plans, if he were to win the elections, Mr. D'Souza, a practicing advocate, said he would give up the profession to serve the needs of people in the constituency. "I will dedicate 75 per cent of my time for the party," he said. On his move to seek blessings of Bishop of Mangalore, Mr. D'Souza said he had not committed any Constitutional impropriety and it was a natural move.

Hindu