Cong defends decision to support Bangarappa

The Congress defends its decision to support SP candidate who is pitted against BJP's Chief Ministerial nominee BS Yeddyurappa.

The Congress on Monday defended its decision to support Samajwadi Party candidate S Bangarappa who is pitted against BJP's Chief Ministerial nominee BS Yeddyurappa in Shikaripura assembly constituency in Shimoga district.

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The Congress wanted to have a pre-poll alliance with SP, but it fell through following certain pre-conditions imposed by Bangarappa, which were not acceptable to Congress, AICC General Secretary Prithviraj Chavan told a press meet here.

BJP leaders have been attacking Congress and JDS for forging a "tacit understanding" between them and in not fielding their candidates in Shikaripura. While Congress withdrew its nominee from the fray, JDS did not field anyone.

Chavan said Congress has decided to support the candidature of Lok Jan Shakti Party J Mohammed in Davanagere North where nomination papers of Congress candidates were rejected on technical grounds. LJP is an important ally of UPA and the party is supporting one of its candidates in the state, he said.