Muneer Katipalla files nomination, declares crusade against corruption

Mangaluru, Apr 19: Hinting at a fierce electoral battle in Mangaluru City North Assembly constituency, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Muneer Katipalla today filed his nomination papers for May 12 polls. 

The constituency is currently represented by the Congress leader B A Mohiuddin Bava, who had defeated BJP’s Krishna J Plemar in 2013. Mr Katipalla’s entry is likely to affect the Congress.

Mr Katipalla was taken in a procession from PVS building to the MCC office where he handed over his nomination to the returning officer. 

Hundreds took part in each of the processions. Interestingly, the sister of RTI activist Vinayak Baliga, who was hacked to death by the saffronists in the city in 2016, also took part in the procession to extend support to Mr Katipalla.

Speaking before filing papers, Mr Katipalla said that support by the family members of slain RTI activist was his moral victory. 

He said that the upcoming poll will be a battel between people’s power and money power. “We have no money to spend. Our asset is our people,” he said and added that he will fight against the corruption in his constituency. 

He said that the Surathkal region lacks development. The people of the this region are in need of government hospitals and government educational institutions. “Such works will be my priority,” he said.

“We need to end corruption which is swallowing the money of the people. I represent the people of the constituency. Our youth are in need of jobs. We need to create jobs through environment friendly industries,” he said. 

Party activists B K Imthiyaz, U B Lokaiah, Gangaiah Amin and Sunanda Konchady accompanied Mr Katipalla while filing papers.