Shivabasappa JD(S) candidate for Chamundeshwari bypoll

Mysore, Nov 17 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said doubts and misplaced hopes in the minds of Congress leaders on the selection of a common candidate by the coalition partners JD(S) and the BJP should come to a rest following the filing of nomination papers by Mr Shivabasappa for the Chamundeshwari Assembly bypoll.

''A new chapter has dawned in Karnataka politics and it may be extended to other elections, including local body and corporation electons in the coming days in the State,'' he said addressing a joint press conference along with BJP State President D V Sadananda Gowda and JD(S) State President M P Prakash.

Mr Prakash and Mr Gowda today announced the consensus candidate for the prestigious bypoll, slated for December four, as decided in the Coordination Committee meeting in Bangalore last night.

Mr Prakash said the BJP had wholeheartedly backed his party candidate in the larger interest of the coalition Government in the State. Both the parties would take up joint election campaign to defeat the Congress.

Mr Gowda said the decision to field a common condidate would further help in the smooth functioning of the coalition Government.

There was no difference among the party workers on supporting the JD(S) candidate.

UNI BSP RG-GD LS KP2152