26 file nominations in DK

A total of 26 candidates filed their nomination paperss in eight Legislative Assembly constituencies of Dakshina Kannada district on Monday.

Those who filed nominations are Harish Poonja of BJP in Belthangady; Moodbidri — Umanath Kotian (BJP), Jeevan Kumar Shetty (JD-S), K Yadav Shetty (CPM); Mangaluru City North — Mohiuddin Bava (Congress), Dr Y Bharath Shetty (BJP), D P Hammabba (JD-S); Mangaluru City South — J R Lobo (Congress), Sunil Kumar Bajal (CPM), Vedavyasa Kamath (BJP), Maxim Pinto (Independent), Reena Pinto (Independent), Madan M C (independent), R Srikar Prabhu (Independent), Supreeth Kumar Poojary (Hindustan Janata Party); Mangaluru — Santhosh Kumar Rai (BJP), U T Khader (Congress); Bantwal— Mohammed Royaz (SDPI), Ibrahim (JD-S); Puttur — Shankunthala Shetty (Congress), Sanjeeva Matandoor (BJP), Vidyashree (Independent), Amarnath B K (Independent), Shekar B (Praja Parivarthana Party); Sullia — Raghu (BSP) and Chandrashekar K (Independent).

Visit to temples

Before filing the nomination papers, sitting Mangaluru City South MLA and Congress candidate J R Lobo and BJP Candidate from Mangaluru South Vedavyasa Kamath, started of their procession from Shri Kshetra Kudroli Gokarnanatha to Mangaluru City Corporation office at Lalbagh.

Lobo began his day by visiting Shree Manjunatheshwara Temple, Kadri; CSI Shanti Church, Balmatta; Shree Suryanarayana Temple, Maroli; Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte; Mangaladevi Temple and Zeenath Baksh Central Juma Masjid and also met Mangaluru Diocese Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza.

Kamath also offered prayers at Sri Venkatramana Temple in Mangaluru.

Speaking on the occasion, Lobo said he has prayed for peace and communal harmony in the city.

“For the development of a city and the district, peace and harmony are essential. For the investment to flow, the harmony of a city plays a crucial role. Industries should be set up in Mangaluru so that employment is generated. The generation of employment will in turn will check migration of educated youth,” he said.

Lobo said that he is thankful that no untoward incidents and communal clashes reported in Mangaluru in the last five years. “As an MLA, I have implemented several development works in the constituency. A few projects are in the pipeline,” he said.

Bava on bicycle

Mangaluru City North MLA and Congress candidate Mohiuddin Bava arrived on a bicycle for filing his nomination papers.

Before filing the papers, Bava held a public meeting at Urwa Store market ground. Earlier, he visited Sacred Heart Church, Suratkal, and also Shree Guru Amba Mahamaya Temple and Juma Masjid Mosque at Hosabettu.

Bava thanked the voters for standing by him in the last five years. “I have worked for the development of the constituency. I have a few more plans for the development of the constituency and hope that the people will give me another five years to serve.”

Dr Y Bharat Shetty, BJP candidate from Mangaluru City North constituency, took out a procession from Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple at Kavoor to the city corporation office before filing the papers.

Khader not worried

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs U T Khader held a meeting of the Congers party workers at Gatti Samaja Bhavana near Thokkottu before filing his nomination papers from Mangaluru Assembly constituency at the office of assistant commissioner.

He earlier visited Ullal Dargah, Ullal Bhagavathi Kshetra, Someshwara Temple, Brahmasri Narayana Guru Temple at Kolya, Umamaheshwari Temple at Kapikad and St Sebastian Church.

Khader said that he was not worried about his opponents. “I welcome a healthy competition,” he added.

To a query on whether pressure is being exerted on JD(S) candidate Ashraf not to contest the polls, he said, “This is a baseless allegation."

BJP candidate from Mangaluru constituency Santhosh Kumar Boliyar said, “The constituency lacks ITI, hospital and drinking water projects. Those who represented the constituency are engaged in communal politics.”