Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Feb 17: Speaking at a press conference held in Kollur on Monday February 16, ex-chief minister S Bangarappa, who is better known for his party-hopping practices, said that he had joined the Congress party without any pre-conditions and with no aspirations whatsoever of getting any posts. "There is no confusion as far as this issue is concerned," he declared.

"I have resigned from the Loksabha seat as well as the primary membership of Samajwadi Party (SP) after obtaining permission of the SP leaders. I will wholeheartedly extend my support and cooperation to the Congress party headed by Sonia Gandhi to stop the National Democratic Alliance from ascending to power in the country," he clarified.

"Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee's letter addressed to the All-India Congress Committee, containing a resolution in support of my admission into the party, has reached the Congress high command. As Sonia Gandhi has given her consent for my joining the party and as the Congress leaders have unanimously decided to field me from Shimoga Loksabha constituency, I am starting my election campaign from Kollur," he added.

Bangarappa stressed, that he will work for the success of any candidate the Congress might field from Shimoga constituency, in case it decides against his candidature.  In reply to a question, he said that he would be going to Delhi and meeting Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday February 18.

Ex-MLA from Byndoor Gopal Poojary, Udupi district zilla panchayat president Raju Poojary, taluk panchayat president Raju Devadiga, Block Congress president Vasudev Yadiyala etc., were present at the press conference.

On his visit to Goddess Mookambika temple here, S Bangarappa was accorded reception by temple executive officer L S Maruti, managing trustee Krishnaprasad Adyantaya and various Congress leaders. He offered special puja to the Goddess.