It's official: Inayatullah to contest for MLA seat from Bhatkal

Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Ismail Zaorez Bhatkal, 18 February: Following days of speculation and rumours, JD(S) finally announced Inayatullah Shabandri as it's official candidate for the upcoming Karnataka Polls. The announcement was made by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda’s party Janata Dal (Secular) and it took everyone by surprise on Saturday. Inayatullah featured on the list with 126 other party candidates who are set to contest from other constituencies. Uttara Kannada district is now set for a three-way battle between Congress, BJP and JD(S) candidates who are likely to contest for the MLA seat. With talks of AIMIM getting into the fray, it remains to be seen if the Muslim vote bank will split and benefit a single party. In an earlier interview with Bhatkallys.com, Inayatullah had confirmed his loyalty to JD(S) as he said, "I have been receiving good support from the JDS high command especially from Former CM HD Kumaraswamy and Former PM HD Devegowda, the JDS District unit had worked tirelessly during the 2013 elections and everyone witnessed the results as we secured second spot ahead of Congress and BJP, this time too we will work with similar energy and with Kumaraswamy and Devegowda campaigning in our constituency I' am sure we will win the elections this time."