K'taka SP favours common candidates for bypolls

Bangalore, Sep 18 (UNI) Former Chief Minister and State Samajawadi Party President S Bangarappa today favoured fielding common candidates in the coming by-elections to eight Assembly seats in Karnataka to defeat communal forces.

Addressing newsmen here, Mr Bangarappa said the worst fear on BJP pushing its communal agenda had proved right following spate of attacks on various places of worship in the State.

The byelections had provided an opportunity to teach a lesson to the BJP, he said adding he would take the initiative to bring all secular forces on a single platform for fighting the elections.

He would discuss with JD(S) Leader H D Deve Gowda in fielding a common candidate shortly.

The State Samajawadi Party's Parliamentary Board meeting would be held shortly for chalking out election strategies.

The by-elections became necessary following resignation of seven opposition members and the death of one sitting member recently.

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