Kumta: As many as 12 candidates remain in fray in the Kumta-Honnavar constituency for the upcoming May 12 Karnataka assembly polls after two independent candidates Narayan Naik and Raju Tandel withdrew their nomination papers, on Friday, the last day for withdrawing the nomination papers. 

The election authorities have allotted symbols to the independent candidates remaining in the fray.

Suraj Naik, who was an aspirant for the BJP ticket, and who had filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate, has been allotted 'autorickshaw' symbol. Another independent candidate, also an aspirant for BJP ticket, Yashodhar Naik, has been allotted with 'Gas cylinder' symbol.

Mohan Baglu has been allotted symbol depicting a farmer tilling his land, Nagraj Naik with 'diamond', Nagaraj Sheth with 'cauliflower',  Krishna Gouda with 'sewing machine', Ganesh Gouda with ' coconut tree farm', Prashant Naik with 'batsman', and Sumana Hegde with 'Pressure cooker' symbol.

A total of 12 candidates remain in the fray, including Congress' Sharada Shetty, JD(S)'s Pradeep Naik, and BJP's Dinakar Shetty.

Speaking to media, Suraj Naik stated that he had resigned from BJP before filing his nomination papers. He stated that he had intended to quit electoral politics altogether, but had to remain in the fray bowing to the pressure of his followers.

When asked about whether BJP would not take action against him, he said, he was more concerned with the safeguarding the interests of his followers than the action taken by the BJP.

"Several leaders met me and discussed with me the changes required to be brought in the constituency when I was lodged in a jail due to fighting for protecting cows," he said and expressed confidence that he would prevail in the election contest.