JOIN USBJP candidate from Madikeri, M P Appacchu Ranjan submitted his nomination on Friday. He is contesting in the Assembly elections for the fifth time.
Before filing the nomination papers, Appacchu Ranjan offered a pooja at Chowdeshwari Temple and came in a procession led by his supporters and BJP workers to the District Administration Complex.
However, only five people, including the candidate were allowed during the filing of the nomination.
Appacchu Ranjan, accompanied by MLA K G Bopaiah, M P Pratap Simha, advocate Abhimanyu Kumar, BJP district unit president B B Bharatish, submitted his nomination papers to Assistant Election officer P Kona Reddy.
Appacchu Ranjan filed his nomination in four sets at 12.40 pm.
Security tightened
Security was tightened at the DC’s office complex premises.
The police and CRPF staff kept a vigil on the procession as well.
Barricades were erected around the DC’s office.
After filing the nomination papers, Appacchu Ranjan said that there is a direct fight between BJP and Congress.
He said that the JD(S) candidate is not his competitor. He added that there is a pro-BJP wave in the district and the Congress will cease to exist in power.
“During the BJP rule in the state, grants of about Rs 1,800 crore had been sanctioned to the district. Morarji Desai School, District Administration complex, Sainik School, Engineering College and Medical College building was sanctioned during the BJP’s tenure. But, the current government has not released grants to the announced projects.”
He also said that there is a plan to invite the Prime Minister to Kodagu for campaigning.
MP Pratap Simha, MLA K G Bopaiah, Balachandra Kalagi, Subrahmanya Upadhyaya and ZP president B A Harish were present among others.