Udupi: Former minister and a near certainty to win the current Udupi-Chikamagalur by-election on March 18, filed his nomination papers from Korgi in Kundapura Taluk on Monday morning, as a Congress Candidate at 11-15AM Considered as auspicious, by those who know.

The Congress leaders met at Royal Gardens in Kalsanka and moved to the office of the local returning officer.

At the same venue, the JD-S candidate, Bhoje Gowda of Chikmaglur on February 28, and BJP candidate Sunilkumar on February 29, are expected to hold functions, and walk to the nomination centre.

Udupi, DC M.T. Reju is the returning officer. Hegde was accompanied by M.V. Moily, Madhusudan Mistry, Dr.G. Parameshwara, and other leaders like K.H. Muniappa, who will campaign for the congress candidate later.

As all 3 candidates are named, the by-poll vote hunt will become active hereafter, in the twin districts.