15 candidates file papers as process for 2nd phase of LS polls

The BJP Karnataka chief B SYeddyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra is among 15 candidates who filed their nominations Thursday, as the process for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls in the State was set in motion.

A total of 15 candidates have filed 20 nominations, poll officials said, adding that among thecandidates 14 are men and one woman.

Raghavendra, a sitting MP, filed his nomination from Shimoga in the presence of senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa among other leaders.

Yeddyurappa along with senior party leader and former Chief Minister S M Krishna was expected to attend Raghavendra's nomination filing, but could not make the trip as their helicopter from Bengaluru developed a technical problem,party sources said.

Raghavendra is pitted against another former Chief Minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa, who is the JD(S) candidate from Shimoga.

Madhu is a former MLA from Soraba.

Suresh Angadi, a sitting MP, filed his nomination fromBelgaum in the presence of party's local MLAs.

Heis pitted against Virupakshi S Sadhunnavar from the Congress.

Most of the candidates who filed their nomination forthe second phase on Thursday were from smaller parties andindependents.

Karnataka will go to polls in two phases, 14 constituencies each, on April 18 and 23.

For the second phase polls on April 23, the last datefor filing nomination is April 4.

Scrutiny will take place on April 5and the last day for withdrawal is April 8.

Counting of votes and announcement of results for both phases is scheduled for May 23.

Meanwhile, the office of the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Thursday said, nominations of 52 candidates were rejected after scrutiny for the first phase of polling.

The number of valid candidates stands at 278, officials said after revising the figures provided late last night.

Among the validly nominated candidates 39 are from national parties, 4 from state parties, 70 belonging to unrecognized parties and 165 are independents.

While the scrutiny of nominations for the first phase wason Wednesday, the last date for withdrawal of nominations isMarch 29.