Count on evangelist-turned-politician and Praja Santhi Party chief for comic relief even amidst heated political situation. In a surprise move, that shocked everyone, KA Paul filed his nomination papers for the Munugode byelections. He did this at the last minute of the last day of the filing of nomination.
It was a big surprise as Paul himself has announced that popular Left balladeer and former Naxal Gaddar would be the party candidate for the Munugode elections. Gaddar too was present when the announcement was made. But, in the face of severe criticism, Gaddar appears to have backed out from the contest.
Gaddar did not come to the party office and was not accessible to anyone. Later, KA Paul himself decided to enter the fray and filed his nomination papers on Friday evening. This took everyone by surprise. Interestingly, he filed his papers on Praja Santhi Party’s ticket. The election commission has recently initiated action against the party for non-compliance of norms. But, Paul chose to file his nomination on behalf of the same party.
There is no clarification or explanation from the party as to why Gaddar did not contest the elections. Sources close to KA Paul tried to explain away saying that there was intense pressure on Gaddar not to contest elections. So, Paul took a sudden decision to enter the election fray.
So, expect a comic sideshow in the otherwise heated election campaign in Munugode, where the Congress, the BJP and the TRS are locked in a serious battle.
