Joshi files papers from Dharwad

Sitting Lok Sabha member Pralhad Joshi filed his nomination papers as the BJP candidate for the Dharwad parliamentary constituency here on Wednesday.

Joshi, who has been representing this constituency since 2004, is seeking re-election for the fourth consecutive time. Joshi went in a procession along with his supporters and party cadre from Shivaji Circle till the deputy commissioner’s office, where he filed his papers. Later, he submitted four sets of nomination papers to the district election officer and Deputy Commissioner Deepa Cholan. MLAs Jagadish Shettar, Govind Karjol, Arvind Bellad, Basavaraj Bommai and others accompanied him.

Speaking to mediapersons, Joshi expressed confidence of winning the election with a record margin this time too. He said besides the several development works undertaken by him in the constituency, the Modi factor would boost his chances of winning, Joshi said. He said he had already toured most parts of the constituency and the people’s response for his candidature and BJP was quite encouraging.

Joshi said the Congress manifesto had several objectionable points like taking away the powers of the Indian Army and withdrawing the sedition law. These points would help naxalism and Maoists thrive.

He claimed that the manifesto had been prepared without involving Congress president Rahul Gandhi and demanded that both the controversial promises be withdrawn.