Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises K.H. Muniyappa on Sunday said he would work for the success of the Congress candidate in Kolar Gold Fields (SC) Assembly constituency.
At a joint press conference with the Congress candidate, V. Shankar, in KGF, Mr. Muniyappa attempted to clear the air over rumours of him being upset over the denial of ticket to his daughter Roopakala from KGF in spite of her name being recommended by all the party committees concerned.
Mr. Shankar had to canvass with only a few supporters all these days as Mr. Muniyappa’s followers did not join him. Mr. Shankar reportedly complained to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, following which Mr. Muniyappa broke his silence over supporting him.
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“As the All-India Congress Committee took the decision on granting ticket, I will abide by it and participate in the campaigning,” the Union Minister said. “I will participate in a roadshow in KGF on Tuesday,” he added.
There were reports that Mr. Muniyappa’s supporters wanted Ms. Roopakala to contest as an Independent. However, the Union Minister was not keen on it as it could have affected his prospects becoming the party’s Kolar candidate for the seventh time in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, according to sources.