Bengaluru: Six independent MLAs, including three from the BSR Congress are likely to support NDA Presidential candidate and Bihar Governor, Ram Nath Kovind, in addition to the BJP MPs and MLAs from the state .
Four independent MLAs , Kudachi MLA, P.Rajiv, Molakalmuru MLA, S.Thippeswamy, Kompli MLA, T.H. Suresh Babu, and Kundarpura MLA, Haladi Srirnivasa Shetty and independent Rajya Sabha MP, Rajiv Chandrashekar, who attended the meeting of BJP MLAs and MPs held here on Wednesday in support of Mr. Kovind, reportedly agreed to back him.Two MLAs of the erstwhile Karnataka Janata Party are also likely to support him, according to BJP sources
BJP state president, B S Yeddyurappa promised to garner the support of more independent MLAs soon. Addressing the meeting, he said he had already requested a number of independent MLAs to support the candidature of Mr. Kovind.
In a short interaction with the BJP MLAs, Mr. Kovind recalled the contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to the country and promised to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the President's office if elected. He also assured that he would discharge his duties impartially and uphold the values of the Constitution.
In a press release later, the state BJP denied there was any scuffle at the meeting as claimed.
No one assaulted BJP legislator and party general secretary Aravind Limbavali, it said.
It was rumoured earlier in the day that a section of BJP cadres was upset with Mr. Limbavali for not allowing them to greet Mr. Kovind. The statement, however, said Mr. Kovind had to rush to the airport and had therefore refused to receive garlands from anyone.
