Former PM HD Deve Gowda files papers for June 19 Rajya Sabha election

"Gowda filed nomination papers at the Vidhana Soudha by submitting them to Returning Officer MK Vishalakshi," a party official told IANS. Vishalakshi is the Karnataka Assembly Secretary.

Gowda's second son and former Minister H.D. Revanna and third son and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy were present on the occasion.

"We have advised our party leaders and workers not to assemble at the venue in view of the Covid-induced lockdown guidelines and to ensure social distancing," said the official. Some members of the Congress were present outside the Secretary's office to greet Gowda and wish him best for the contest.

Gowda, 87, agreed to contest after the Congress assured him of its surplus votes, as the JD-S with 34 legislators is short of 10 votes to meet the required 44 votes.

"Congress chief Sonia Gandhi called Gowda on Sunday and requested him to contest and assured him of her party's support," the official said.

It will be second time Gowda will enter the Rajya Sabha, 24 years after he was its member as the Prime Minister from June 1996 to April 1997 in the United Front government of secular and regional parties. (IANS)

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