Cong MLA's brother to contest as independent in H-D Central

Hubballi-Dharwad East constituency's sitting MLA and Congress candidate Prasad Abbayya's elder brother Dharmaraj Abbayya will contest as an independent candidate in Hubballi-Dharwad Central constituency.

"I am engaged in social service since last 15 years, and I want to bring improvements in infrastructure and social life in the constituency. Contesting in elections is my own decision, and regarding election politics, I have no link with my brother Prasad Abbayya," Dharmaraj said.

He told media persons here on Wednesday that he has worked in education, health, and legal aid fields.

If elected as the MLA, I would continue social service in a better manner, while attempts would be made to eradicate rowdyism and corruption. Due focus would be given on infrastructure development including underground drainage network and solid waste management, he added.

More independent candidates

Dharwad Jilla Jai Bharat Jan Seva Sangha, and Dharwad Jilla Durbala & Alpasankhyatara Abhivruddhi Seva Sangha have decided to field independent candidates in all the seven constituencies in the district.

"Title-deeds for slum dwellers, quality development works, and diversion of water from Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha river would be our issues in the elections," said the Sangha president I M Torgal.

Independent candidates to be supported by the Sangha would be Syed Ahmed M Torgal (Hubballi-Dharwad Central), Manjunath Madandi or Ramachandra Lamani (Hubballi-Dharwad East), Prakash Hulasogi or Jameer Ahmed Kerur (Hubballi-Dharwad West), Parashuram Hulakoppa (Dharwad), Mehaboob Torgal (Kalghatagi), J M Gokak (Kundgol), Dyamanna Malawade or Gangadhar Patil (Navalgund), he added.