Uttama Prajakeeya Party (UPP) headed by actor Upendra on Saturday announced its decision to contest in all the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka.

Party candidates will be contesting on autorickshaw symbol assigned to UPP by the Election Commission. The process of selection of candidates has already commenced.

Addressing media persons, filmmaker and actor Upendra cited difference with Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janata Party (KPJP) as the reason for not contesting in the 2018 Assembly polls. “After quitting KPJP, we launched UPP and got it registered. We have secured the symbol of autorickshaw, which suits our working-class agenda. We are all set to contest in the Lok Sabha polls,” said Mr. Upendra.

Asked whether he would contest in the polls, Mr. Upendra said he was one of the aspirants for the party ticket but, like others, would have to pass through a selection process. And if and when selected, he would take a call on the constituency from which he would contest. “A list of candidates will be announced in 15 to 20 days. Over 20 people have already approached the party and their applications are being processed,” he said.

On whether UPP would support actor Prakash Raj, who is contesting from Bengaluru Central constituency as an Independent candidate, Mr Upendra said: “Norms of selection is applicable to one and all. If he comes out with a manifesto for the constituency, UPP would support him,” he said.

On the agenda of the UPP, the actor said, instead of Rajakeeya (politics), it would propagate Prajakeeya (of the people, for the people, by the people) and believed strongly in transferring power to the people in letter and spirit .

Detailing on the selection process of candidates, Mr. Upendra said the party would not accept manifestos that are unrealistic. “As people know what exactly they want, we have asked qualified candidates to come out with their manifesto which offers a clear-cut road map on implementation,” he said.

In his characteristic style, Mr Upendra said: “People are asking us what is our understanding of politics and democracy. Our answer is ‘we don't know anything. We don’t do anything except what you say.’ We are approaching people on this premise.”

UPP has created a five-point programme to convince people of their commitment to democratic principles: Selection, Election, Correction, Rejection, Promotion. “People would take an active role in the selection and election process. They would provide an opportunity to their elected representatives to correct themselves in case of not meeting expectations. If a representative fails to correct himself, the party will expel him from the primary membership. If he performs well, he would be promoted,” said Mr. Upendra.

Importance of regional party

Underlining the urgent need of a regional party to protect the interest of Karnataka, Mr. Upendra said: “We want a regional party that does not compromise when it comes to issues concerning the region. We launched UPP just for that purpose.”