Sagar: JD(S) candidate withdraws from election fray at last moment

Sagar: In a surprise development, Syed Zakir, the official candidate of JD(S) in the Sagar assembly constituency, has withdrawn from the election fray. The municipal council member announced his decision on Monday, citing illness and family reasons that have been bothering him for the last few days.

Zakir clarified that his decision was not influenced by any external pressure and that some elders had advised him not to contest the election this time. He also stated that attempts were made to contact party president CM Ibrahim and senior YSV Dutta about his decision, but they were unsuccessful.

The politician, who has previously faced rumors of receiving money from the BJP’s Halappa during the elections, also clarified that he had not received any money from anyone.

Zakir also emphasized his personal stand that “secular forces” should be supported and stated that the authority to declare which candidate to support in the arena belongs to Taluk President Kannappa and other officials, not him.