Udupi: Former minister Pramod Madhwaraj filed his nomination papers as the Janata Dal (Secular) candidate for the Udupi-Chickmagaluru Lok Sabha constituency on Monday, March 25.
Prior to filing his nomination, leaders from the Congress and JDS parties gathered at the Congress Bhavan in Nairkere here. Speaking to supporters from the Congress and JDS parties, Madhwaraj said that he is happy to contest as a candidate of the JDS. “The coalition partners have decided to fight against communal forces. I visited temples, mosques and churches based on the principle taught by Narayana Guru, who said that all religions are similar,” he said.
Madhwaraj added that the JDS and Congress candidates of coastal Karnataka will collectively fight for the empowerment of the youth, women, fishermen and farmers. “We hope to go to the Parliament house at New Delhi together,” he said.
Madhu Bangarappa, JDS candidate from Shivamogga, Dr. Jayamala, district in-charge minister, K J George Minister, Chikkamagaluru Congress district president and Dr. Vijayakumar also addressed the supporters.
Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, JDS district president, Shrengeri MLA Rajegowda, former MLA U R Sabhapathi, M A Gafoor and others were present.