Thippeswamy to contest as Independent

Miffed over the BJP denying him ticket, MLA for Molakalmur S. Thippeswamy on Saturday announced that he would contest as an Independent.

He, however, indicated that he was ready to contest from any other political party, if offered ticket, for the sole purpose of defeating the former Minister B. Sriramulu.

At a meeting of his supporters at Neralkunte village in Challakere taluk on Saturday, he contended that having realised that people of Ballari had rejected him, Mr. Sriramulu was trying to find political base in Molakalmur. Mr. Thippeswamy said by making false promises and then by deciding to contest from Molakalmur, Mr. Sriramulu had cheated the entire Naik community.