BENGALURU: There’s a highvoltage battle brewing in Bengaluru Central. Friday provided a preview as two main contenders filed their nomination papers. Actor Prakash Raj (independent) was the first to file his papers around 12.30pm at the BBMP headquarters, while incumbent PC Mohan (BJP) filed his nomination an hour later, with much drama in between.Raj encountered a group chanting ‘Modi, Modi’ as he entered the office gates. The crowd repeated the slogans as he returned after filing one set of nomination papers and he retorted: “Nimagella bandide bedhi, bedhi” (You people are getting loose motion because of me in the fray) and “Hadinaidu laksha enayithu, Modi?” (What happened to the Rs 15 lakh, Modi?).The candidates were a picture of contrasts. Mohan filed his nomination amid much fanfare by his party workers, while his challenger, whose histrionics after donning grease paint has earned him legions of fans, preferred a subdued style but used his acting skills to strike a chord with voters.Mohan took out a rally from Bannappa Park, about 300m from the office, with over 1,000 party workers in tow. Workers used a crane to adorn Mohan with a massive garland. Senior party leaders like R Ashoka, Arvind Limbavali and Rajeev Chandrasekhar accompanied him in an open van.Raj preferred to take the longer route, over 3km from Austin Town. The crowd accompanying him was thinner, but he was undeterred. “As I’ve said before, I’m a serious contender. Where is the question of BJP benefiting from division of secular votes when I’m sure of winning?” Raj said as he garlanded the Ambedkar statue in Austin Town before embarking on the procession.After seeking the blessings of writer Vijayamma, who he says is a mother-figure, he insisted that though he stands for secular values, he differs with Congress ideology on many counts, including its dynastic rule and caste-based politics. The procession, which rolled out at 10.30am, took around two hours to reach the BBMP office (returning officer). His wife Pony Verma and actor Achyut Rao and a few friends accompanied him.In Hassan, Prajwal Revanna, grandson of HD Deve Gowda, filed his nomination papers. The 28-year old mechanical engineering graduate declared Rs 11.4 crore property (Rs 6.5 crore movable, Rs 4.9 crore movable). He doesn’t own any vehicle except a tractor worth Rs 5 lakh. In Udupi , BJP candidate and incumbent MP, Shobha Karandlaje filed her papers.

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