CPI(M) candidate for Ullal bypoll

Bangalore, May 13(UNI) Veteran labour leader J Balakrishna Shetty will be the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s candidate for June two bye-election to the Ullal Assembly seat, CPM State Secretary G N Nagaraj said today.

Speaking to newsmen here, he said Mr Shetty was involved in labour movement for several years in Dakshina Kannada District and struggled for welfare of beedi workers in the region.

To a question, Mr Nagaraj said the party had better chance as it had always fought against communal forces and was involved in various labour, peasant and women movements.

About possible support from JD(S), Mr Nagaraj said the party would welcome support from all the secular forces.

The bye-election became necessary following the demise of sitting Congress member U T Fareed. While BJP and Congress have announced their nominees, the JD(S) was yet to take a decision.

UNI