BJP workers upset with MP Brijesh Chowta over Pili Nalike and lethargy 

Mangaluru

Several BJP workers in Dakshina Kannada district are upset with Member of Parliament (MP) Captain Brijesh Chowta for attending the Pili Nalike 2025 event organised by Congress leader Mithun Rai. The disgruntlement with Chowta stems not only from this, but also from his lethargy in responding to grassroots workers.

Chowta has been attending Pili Nalike—a non-political programme (as claimed by Mithun Rai)—every year during the Dasara festivities, but his last two appearances have become reasons for anger among the cadre. Unlike the previous BJP MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, Chowta is educated and served in the Navy. But his white-collared attitude does not seem to be going down well with workers, who expect humility, better mingling, and a speedy response to their cries for help.

A BJP worker who has known Chowta for many years told blrpost.com that the MP has failed to respond to many problems raised by workers but is in no mood to give Pili Nalike a miss. There are no serious qualms among workers about his attending an event organised by Rai, a strong leader from the Bunt community. However, the enthusiasm and commitment he shows in participating in this programme are not reflected in resolving the district’s problems—especially those flagged by party workers. It is the party workers who helped him catapult to power.

Another BJP worker said the white-collared behaviour the MP is showcasing could prove costly in the future. He secured a ticket with much difficulty and should remember his struggle. Party workers, on the other hand, toiled on the ground to make him victorious. According to this worker, Chowta’s behaviour has changed after winning the elections, and party workers are realising it now. Chowta has allegedly become a man of the rich rather than the poor.

The worker further pointed out the poor road condition of Mangaluru and how the MP was totally blind to this problem. Only after protests, media hype, he chose to attend to the issue. But the problem is still persisting. This is a glaring example for his lethargy. 

One more party worker said: “Chowta also went to Dharmasthala not just once but twice. How many times has he visited the homes of grassroots workers after winning the polls? Party workers are already upset with leaders over the Dharmasthala issue, and now his attendance at Pilinalike has further hurt their sentiments. After Kateel was denied a ticket, we heaved a sigh of relief, thinking we finally had a capable candidate who would respond to us. But his attitude is unbecoming. He should mend this and understand the pulse of the workers. He should start working towards developing Mangaluru as the next IT hub of Karnataka.”