Hassan man contests poll to just create record

“I am sure that I will lose my deposit in the Lok Sabha election. But, I am contesting to create a record as an Independent candidate with most nominations," said M Mahesh.

Mahesh, a resident of Holenarasipur, said, he had earlier contested four Lok Sabha elections and five Assembly elections. “When I contested the first poll to the LS in 1996, I was 25 years old. Although I was offered a B form by parties based in other states, I rejected them and contested as an Independent,” he said.

"In 1996, I secured 4,580 votes. I have contested against former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, G Puttaswamygowda, B Shivaramu, H D Revanna, and H K Hanumegowda," Mahesh said.

He was offered a ticket by Bharathiya Rashtriya Mahila Sarvodaya Congress, Dharwad, Indian New Congress, Mysuru, Karunada Paksha, Bharathiya Congress of Anupama Shenoy and others. But, he refused to contest from any party. He has declared Rs 86,000 as his assets.

He also drew attention while filing the nomination by handing over the deposit amount in coins, during the earlier election. “I will neither distribute pamphlets nor spend money on any banners or cutouts. I am contesting only to see my name in the list of most nominations, filed by an Independents," he said.