Strengthen regional parties: Deve Gowda

Some contestants of major political parties submitted their nomination papers for the Lok Sabha elections in the State on Wednesday, the day on which poll process was set in motion.

The JD(S) State president A Krishnappa submitted his nomination papers from Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency. He went in a procession to deputy commissioner’s office. Party national president and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda accompanied Krishnappa.

Addressing the party workers on the occasion, Gowda claimed that the country would not progress under the national parties and advocated that only regional parties could ensure national development.

“Indira Gandhi ruled the country for 17 years. What is her contribution to women’s empowerment,” Gowda questioned.

He said voters in Tamil Nadu and other states ensure majority for regional parties and it won’t be of any benefit for Karnataka if a handful of representatives were elected from regional parties. Krishnappa has declared to own assets totalling Rs 70.12 crore.

Muniyappa files papers

Union Minister K H Muniyappa filed the papers from Kolar Lok Sabha constituency. Muniyappa, accompanied by his wife Nagarathnamma, MLC Naseer Ahmed and others presented two sets of nomination papers to the deputy commissioner.

The supporters of Muniyappa who had assembled on the way to deputy commissioner’s office went berserk and the police had to use force to disperse them.

Muniyappa addressed them for a few minutes from the vehicle he was travelling in. However, this brought the movement of vehicles to a standstill.

Later, addressing a press meet at his residence, Muniyappa said that his service to the constituency as the Lok Sabha member for six terms will certainly ensure him victory at the hustings.

Muniyappa, the Union Minister for Medium, Small and Micro Enterprise has shown assets of Rs 13.52 crore and liability of Rs 2.7 crore.

Bidari enters fray

Retired director general and inspector general of police Shankar Bidari filed nomination as an Independent candidate from Bagalkot constituency on Wednesday.
He is contesting as an Independent since the Election Commission of India did not recognise Janashakti Party floated by him.

According to the declaration filed by him, Bidari has no liabilities, but possesses assets worth Rs 5.96 crore.