Over 40,000 march as Darshan files papers
Darshan told Deccan Chronicle that he will carry his father's vision of improving the lot of the farmers.
Bengaluru: Darshan Puttannaiah, Swaraj India candidate from Melkote constituency and son of the late farmer activist K.S Puttannaiah, on Friday filed his nomination papers at the Pandavapura taluk office with the support of over 40,000 people, mostly farmers and youngsters.
Darshan’s mother Sunita Puttannaiah too filed her nomination as an independent candidate, as a back-up in case Darshan’s nomination is rejected on the grounds that he was not living in India for a year. “In case Darshan’s nomination is cleared, she will withdraw hers,” said a SI spokesperson.
Later Darshan addressed a packed stadium of more than 15,000 people in Pandavapura and assured them that he will not leave the country. Sharing the dais with him were local leaders from the Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Dalit Sangharsha Samithi. They asked the people of Melkote to vote for Darshan. Congress spokesperson Ramya’s mother Ranjita too blessed Darshan.
Darshan told Deccan Chronicle that he will carry his father’s vision of improving the lot of the farmers.
“I am guilty of leaving my community for a corporate life. My father and I used to have intense discussions on how to better the lives of our farmers. It’s a huge task, but I am here to stay and deliver,” he said.