People of Bantwal will make you MLA once again: Poojary tells Ramanath Rai

Mangaluru, Apr 18: Bantwal Congress candidate B Rananath Rai, who has intensified his campaign for May 12 Karnataka assembly polls, on Wednesday called on the former union minister and party veteran B Janardhana Poojary and sought his blessings.

Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology in the incumbent state government and six time MLA from Bantwal, Mr Rai is expected to file his nomination papers on April 19.

Mr Rai’s visit to the Billava stalwart’s house gains significance in the wake of latter’s aides accusing the Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister of mocking and abusing the veteran leader. Mr Rai has brushes aside the allegations.

A strong critic of chief minister Siddaramaiah’s way of functioning, the octogenarian Poojary has been resting at home for the last few months due to ill-health.

It is learnt that Mr Poojary is not capable of campaigning for the party in the upcoming polls. Mr Rai sought Mr Poojary’s blessings for all the Congress candidates in the state.

Mr Poojary expressed hope that Congress will return to power after May 12 polls. He also predicted Mr Rai’s victory. “People of Bantwal will make you MLA again,” Mr Poojary told Mr Rai.