Mangalore : Chief Minister of Karnataka D. V. Sadananda Gowda flagged off an anti-tobacco campaign in city organized by Mangalore Institute of Oncology (MIO) on June 3, Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that the organization hosting such kind of rallies to create awareness on affects of tobacco consumption throughout country is necessary. This kind of programmes can prevent large number of people from getting cancer, he said.

Large number of people participated in the rally passed through Bendoorwell, Balmatta, and Jyothi Circle, before ending at Nehru Maidan.

Dr Suresh Rao welcomed the gathering. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, legislative assembly deputy speaker Yogish Bhat, MIO directors Dr Krishna Prasad and Dr Sanath Hegde, MIO managing director Dr Jalaluddin Akbar and others were present.