Congress to support candidature of Ananthamurthy

Bangalore, Mar 25 (UNI) The Congress High Command has decided to support independent candidate U R Ananthamurthy in the biennial election to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka Assembly on March 28.

Disclosing this to UNI here, former Karnataka Chief Minister Dharam Singh said senior leaders from the State, including KPCC President Mallikarjun Kharge met party president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi and apprised her of the political situation in the State.

Mr Singh said Ms Gandhi had agreed to and instructed partymen to extend support to Jnanpith awardee Ananthamurthy as a second candidate.

The Congress has already declared K Rehman Khan, who is also Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as its official candidate.

Mr Singh said that with the decision of the High Command, Congress would transfer its surplus votes in favour of Mr Ananthamurthy.

It may be recalled that Congress Legislative Party had also unanimously decided to transfer its excess vote in favour of Mr Ananthamurthy.

UNI MV MSP LR KN2319