Literary giant enters political fray to thwart money power

Bangalore, Mar 17 (UNI) Renowned Kannada writer and Jnanpeeth awardee U R Ananthamurthy today said he had decided to contest in the coming biennial elections to Rajya Sabha to thwart the money power playing a major role in the poll scenario.

Talking to UNI here, Mr Ananthamurthy, who filed his nomination papers with the support of All India Progressive Janata Dal members and a few independents in the State Assembly, said he was pained to see money power being used as a vehicle to enter the Rajya Sabha, considered a 'House of Elders,'' and hence decided to contest in the elections.

The litterateur, who had brought laurels to the state with his rational and progressive writings, exuded confidence that he would emerge victorious.

Mr Ananthmurthy had held several top posts in his distinguished career. He had served as Vice Chancellor of the Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala and Chairman of the Pune Film Institute. He had also been a visiting faculty at a University in the US.

UNI MV RG RP ND1818