Kumta: After losing BJP ticket to Dinakar Shetty from Kumta-Honnavar constituency, a youth BJP leader who was also a ticket aspirant, Suraj Naik Soni arranged a meeting with his fellow supporters to collect the opinions of how about contesting as a rebel candidate from Kumta-Honnavar constituency.

According to sources, the meeting was held at Suraj's residence where addressing to his supporters, he said that he would file the nomination on Monday if at all he takes the decision of contesting as an independent candidate. 

Sources also informed that his supporters said that Suraj had contested from BJP in 2013 assembly elections from Kumta-Honnavar constituency. Despite there being a KJP candidate in the constituency, Suraj as a BJP candidate had received more than 28 thousand votes in 2013 election. But, unfortunately, it has been an injustice to him this time. 

Expressing their dissatisfaction, they further said that Suraj, even after losing the election in 2013, continued his efforts to serve for the party. He worked day and night for Hindu community. His service guaranteed us of getting BJP ticket to him from Kumta-Honnavar constituency. "We will try hard to convince Suraj to contest as an independent candidate and make him win if he contests", said his supporters.

It will now be interesting to watch if Suraj proceeds with contesting as an independent candidate or will quit out of the election race.