The BJP MP B Sriramulu on Saturday filed his nomination papers from Molakalmuru (ST) constituency in Chitradurga district.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa, former minister and mining baron G Janardhan Reddy and Kudligi Assembly constituency BJP candidate N Y Gopalkrishna accompanied him.
Sriramulu arrived in Molakalmuru by a helicopter from Ballari and offered a puja at Nunkamale Siddeshwara Hills.
Later, the leaders took out a roadshow at Molakalmuru before filing nominations.
Reddy's presence despite BJP national president Amit Shah's statement that the party has nothing to do with him has raised eyebrows.
Reddy fell at the feet of Yeddyurappa and Chouhan.
Sriramulu's campaign trail had begun on a violent note at Nayakanahatti village on April 13 after a group of BJP workers, believed to be supporters of Molakalmuru MLA Thippeswamy stoned Sriramulu's car, besides throwing footwear.
Thippeswamy has turned rebel after the party denied him the ticket and fielded Sriramulu.
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