Karnad seeks support to Marulasiddappa

Bangalore, Feb 26 (PTI) Noted theatre personality andJnanapeeth awardee Girish Karnad and few other litterateurstoday pleaded for support to fellow writer Marulasiddappa, whohas been pitted against veteran Bollywood actor Hema Malini inthe March three bypoll to Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.

Talking to reporters here in the company of some well knownwriters, Karnad said Hema Malini is a good actress, but had''failed'' to respond to the aspirations of people when she wasRajya Sabha member for six years.

Marulasiddappa is a local and would certainly fight for thecause of the state, Karnad said appealing to MLAs, who formthe electoral college to support the writer''s candidature.

Noted writer Baragur Ramachandrappa lamented that wheneverpolitical parties feel that they have no chance to win, theyfield writers and this practice should end.

Hema Malini, fielded by BJP, is expected to win the pollgoing by the numerical strength of the ruling party.

Congress and JDS combine have been backing the candidatureof Marulasiddappa, contesting as an independent.