Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DC)

Mangaluru, Apr 23: Congress candidate from Mangaluru (Ullal) constituency U T Khader on Monday April 23 filed his nomination for Karnataka elections at Mini Vidhana Soudha here.

Speaking to media persons, Khader said that he is not worried about his opponent. "People of my constituecny will decide who they want to elect. I welcome a healthy competition from my opponent."

Reacting to media queries that JD(S) candidate Ashraf was pressured not to contest the polls; Khader said that it was a baseless allegation. "I have not forced anyone to back out from contesting and I have no problem if Ashraf wants to contest in my constituency."

BJP candidate Santhosh Kumar Boliyar files nomination

Earlier in the day, BJP candidate from Ullal constituency Santosh Kumar Boliyar also filed his nomination on April 23. Prior to that, he visited Kadri temple to seek blessings.

Speaking to reporters after filing the nomination, he said, "Ullal has no ITI, proper hospital or drinking water facility. Representatives who were elected from this constituency only did communal politics. They give importance only to publicity. They have done nothing for the people of the constituency.

"Hence, this time, people will surely cast their votes for me. They have already come forward to openly support me. No one can stop me from winning," he said.

"If I am elected, my first priority will be to build a hospital and and ITI in the constituency, and find out a permanent solution for water scarcity," he added.