Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Mar 21: Former union minister Dhananjay Kumar, who was earlier with BJP and had then skipped over to join B S Yeddyurappa in forming KJP, on Friday March 21 filed nomination to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency on JD(S) ticket.

JD(S) had on Thursday March 20 formally announced Dhananjay Kumar's candidature from this constituency.

Dhananjay Kumar addressed a press meet said that during his tenure as MLA from Mangalore constituency, he had strived and succeeded in solving the problems faced by areca growers, and also improved condition of coffee growers when he was the union minister.

"We know that JD(S) has less prevalence in this constituency, but we also know that people want a change and need a new leader to head the administration, not only in Udupi but also in other constituencies," he added.

Dhananjay further said that he has advantage over his opponents from Congress and BJP in terms of experience and political knowledge.

"People in Chikmagalur are not satisfied with the ruling party, which does not even have basic knowledge about development. A survey has shown that neither BJP nor the Congress would get majority votes, so a third party will have more chances of coming to power," he said.

"We are here to render our service to the people. People are welcome for any discussion without any restriction. BJP is full of opportunists who are taking advantage of Narendra Modi's popularity to increase their own chances," he said.

JD(S) leader Madhu Bangarappa urged people and media to support the party and their candidates.

After the press meet, Dhananjay Kumar submitted his nomination to DC Dr Muddumohan.

Deviprasad Shetty, district president, H S Manjappa, Chikmagalur district president, Gulam Mohammed, Raju, Manjappa, Shalini Shetty, Padma Thimmegowda and others were present.

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