Retired police officer Shankar Bidari, Dr C Rajanna of Panacea Hospital group and educationist Prof K E Radhakrishna joined the Congress on Monday. AICC Karnataka in-charge Madhusudhan Mistry inducted them into the party by handing them over the party flag.

Later speaking to reporters, Bidari said he had served the police department in various capacities for 42 years. “I have now joined politics to repay the love, trust and support given by the people of the State. I will sincerely and honestly do any work assigned to me by the party,” he added.

According to party sources, he is likely to contest from Terdal in Bagalkot district.
“It is only in the Congress party one is able to see people of all communities, caste, creed and language. It is the only party that treats everybody equally. Hence, I joined the party. The party will give opportunity to everybody based on their capacity, qualification and contribution,” Bidari said.

Asked whether he had any plans to contest in the coming polls, he said he had never said he would not contest elections. But he said he would abide by the party’s decision.
Prof Radhakrishna was in the JD(S). He had unsuccessfully contested the 2009 parliamentary polls as the JD(S) candidate in Bangalore South constituency. But he had secured about 30,000 votes.

KPCC chief G Parameshwara said none of the three had asked for the party ticket to contest the coming polls. They have joined the party to do social service, he added.