RS polls: Vijay Mallya to contest from JK

Bangalore, Jan 19: Vijay Mallya, the liquor baron and chief of Kingfisher Airlines is all set to foray in the state of Jammu Kashmir. It is learnt that Mallya is planning to contest for RajyaSabha Polls from the state as an independent candidate supported by the ruling National Conference.

Mallya visited JK last week and promised to take steps to facilitate tourism in the state. He also appreciated the new Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Mallya said to the media that his Kingfisher Airlines will start attractive tour package to boost tourism in Kashmir.

Of the four RS seats in Jammu Kashmir, one each will be contested by NC, PDP and the Congress. The fourth will be filled by Vijay Mallya. He will get the surplus votes by the NC-Congress combine and of a few independents and single-member parties.

Farooq Abdullah of NC, Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress and Saifuddin Soz and PDP's Trilok Singh Bajwa, all elected in Nov 2002 completed their term in Nov 2008. After Azad being elected as the Chief Minister, his place was filled by Choudhary M Aslam.

Mallya said that India Inc does not want a war with Pakistan as it would have negative effect on Indian economy. He added that the huge voter turn out during Jammu Kashmir elections is a good omen to promote tourism. He said that the Srinagar airport now has all the facilities of an international airport and it is time to start direct international services.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)