Congress candidate of Mysore-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency M Lakshmana offered puja at Talacauvery and began his election campaign in Kodagu. Lakshmana earlier visited Bhagandeshwara Temple in Bhagamandala and later offered tribute to the statue of brave soliders and freedom fighters in Madikeri. Later, the Congress candidate took part in the Congress office-bearers meeting at Dr.BRAmbedkar Bhavanaand sought their support in the election. Stating that he has served the Congress for 35 years and unsuccessfully contested the polls four times, he adde that this election is between a “Maharaja” and a common man.” Lakshmana said he had no political background and added that the Congress had identified him. He further said that if elected as an MP, he will ensure that both the Central and state government schemes reach people. Without support of state government or centre, an MP cannot do anything.Â
He said that he is confident of INDI alliance coming to power and added that leaders, such as Sadananda Gowda, CT Ravi and Shobha Karandlaje, were treated unfairly by the BJP.