LS polls: Campaign picks up in Hassan

The Lok Sabha election campaign is picking up in Hassan constituency. While former minister Congress leader A Manju met BJP MLA Preetham J Gowda, JD(S)-Congress candidate Prajwal Revanna intensified his campaign by visiting the houses of Congress party leaders.

Manju, who is opposing Prajwal’s candidature, accusing the JD(S) of indulging in dynastic politics, is all set to join the BJP. He is busy holding meetings with his supporters. Manju also met Hassan MLA Preetham J Gowda of the BJP at his residence. However, Manju said that he will announce his move on Monday after holding discussions with his supporters.

Prajwal, son of Public Works Minister H D Revanna, visited the houses of Congress party leaders and sought their support. Prajwal visited the houses of Congress leaders Hemmige Mohan, H K Mahesh and others. He also welcomed BJP and other party workers to join the JD(S).

Speaking to media persons, Prajwal said that he will face the election on the development works of JD(S)-Congress coalition government and will not comment on any person. “I will take all the leader into confidence and win the polls with the support of the people. I will file the nomination papers on March 22," he said.

Manju said that a majority of the people are supporting him and are against H D Deve Gowda family.

MLA Preetham Gowda said that BJP welcomes Manju if he wishes to join the party.

It may be mentioned that a section of BJP leaders, including BJP district president Yoga Ramesh, had opposed Manju's rejoining the BJP. Manju was elected as a BJP MLA in 1999.