Udupi: A former Karkala MLA, notorious in Padmapriya death case in which Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat also was a key figure, is BJP candidate for Udupi-Chikkamagalur by polls, for MP seat vacated by CM DVS Gowda.

The by poll is due on March 18. In less than a month, but BJP is destined to lose the fight this time with a wrong selection, instead of Uday K. Shetty, chairman of Udupi Dt. BJP unit.

H.N. Ananth Kumar, national secretary and MP announced the choice, this development comes on the heels of KPCC chair man Dr. G. Parameshwara confirming the name of former minister Jaya Prakash Hegde of Brahmavara, as the official Congress candidate, who is likely to win this battle. There were several candidates for congress for congress ticket from Chikkamagalur and Udupi, but the right candidate has been selected. Both are former MLAs Sunil Kumar had lost an election in Karkala to Gopal Bhandary, protégé of Moily.

His fire brand speeches not with standing S. Kumar is tainted by crime along with Raghupathi Bhat.

The BJP core Committee is to hold its meeting by weekend, before a state tour of leaders starts.