Bhatkal: Union Minister of skill development and entrepreneurship Anantkumar Hegde released 'Uttar-Kannada district BJP Manifesto' even before BJP releases its manifesto for Karnataka assembly elections 2018.

According to the sources in the BJP, there was the direction from their office to release district manifesto on Wednesday, therefore they released Uttar-Kannada BJP manifesto before state manifesto. "Already all taluka manifesto is released in the state and now district manifesto has been released", they added.

The manifesto was released at a private hotel in Bhatkal town on Wednesday where Hegde, district BJP president KG Naik, Bhatkal BJP candidate Sunil Naik and other leaders were present. After releasing manifesto, Hegde said that they ask votes on developmental agenda and Hindutva is not their tool in the election and they won't seek votes on Hindutva. He also said that he has respect towards other religion, but won't accept those who disrespect others' religion.