Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai narrowly escaped an accident after a minor fire erupted near his helipad in Udupi on Thursday. According to the police, the incident occurred at a temporary open field in Udupi, where CM Bommai’s helicopter landed. It took place when the Chief Minister had left for the Kollur Mookambika temple.
As per the police, the smoke candle reportedly fell on the ground due to the pressure from the rotors, after which the fire spread on the grass around 300 metres from where the helicopter landed.
The police officials told reporters that the fire was minor in nature and was quickly brought under control. “The situation was quickly brought under control by the fire brigade. The fire was minor. It was immediately doused off. It was quite far from the chopper. There was no technical snag in the chopper,” the police added.
Karnataka Assembly election process formally begins
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the poll process for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections formally began on Thursday with the issuance of a gazette notification paving the way for candidates to file their nomination papers.
According to the Election Commission's (EC) schedule of events, the last date of filing nominations is April 20. The papers will be scrutinised on April 21 and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is April 24.
Of the total 224 constituencies in the state, 36 seats have been reserved for Scheduled Castes and 15 for Scheduled Tribes. The counting of votes is on May 13.
Tough contest likely in Karnataka
While Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is seeking reelection from Shiggaon, former CMs Siddaramaiah (Congress) and HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) are contesting from Varuna and Channapatna, respectively.
The BJP has fielded senior leaders and incumbent Ministers V Somanna and R Ashoka against Siddaramaiah in Varuna and Congress state president D K Shivakumar in Kanakapura, respectively.
(With inputs from agencies)
