Mallya files papers as JD(S)-backed candidate

Bangalore|New Delhi: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday filed his nomination papers as JD(S)-backed independent candidate for the June 17 biennial elections to Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.

Mr Mallya was accompanied by former chief minister and Karnataka unit JD(S) president H D Kumaraswamy and his brother H D Revanna, who is leader of the 27-member JDS legislature group in the assembly, when he submitted the papers to the returning officer. “There is nothing dramatic in my candidature. I have represented Karnataka before. I was supported by JD(S) before and now also as well,” a beaming Mallya, a former Rajya Sabha member, told reporters after submitting his nomination.

Mr Mallya would need the support of 20 more MLAs for his victory in the first round besides getting 27 votes from JD(S). But both Congress and the BJP parties have made it clear that they will support Mr Mallya. He, however, claimed that he has the required numbers. “This is politics. Without a strategy, I would not have come to file nomination papers,” Mr Mallya said when asked whether he was in talks with MLAs of other parties.

JD (S) held talks with Congress in recent days for a tie-up for the legislative council and Rajya Sabha elections, but it did not materialise. JD(S) was keen on getting a second seat in the legislative council in return for its support to the Congress’ nominee in the Rajya Sabha polls. Seven candidates-- four from BJP, two Congress and a JD(S) nominee -- have already been elected uncontested to the legislative council.

Congress leader Oscar Fernandes has already filed his nomination from Karnataka for the elections to fill four vacancies for which five candidates are contesting. Opposition Congress fielded its second candidate for the polls with T V Maruthi, a businessmen, also filing his nominations on the last day for filing of papers.