Hema Malini files nomination as BJP candidate from Karnataka

Bollywood actor Hema Malini filed her nomination papers here on Monday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)''s candidate for the Rajya Sabha election from Karnataka.

The by-election, scheduled for March 3, became necessary following the demise of former Union Minister M Rajasekhara Murthy, who belonged to the Janata Dal-Secular.

Hema''s choice came as a surprise and shock to the party members, who were expecting a person from the state to be given the ticket considering it will be an unopposed election.

The veteran actress was accompanied by State Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and the BJP State Unit President K.S. Eshwarappa when she filerd her nomination at the Vidhana Soudha

"I want to thank the BJP party for nominating me; I have had a long association with this state from many years as an artiste. As an MP, I will have to understand what Karnataka needs, I will take special interest in the state, especially in cultural matters," she said
after filing her nomination.