Ramanath Rai, the district Congress chief, will be contesting from the Muslim-dominated constituency of Buntwal. Campaigning extensively in the region, the former minister is hopeful of another win.
Even as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was defeated in the Karnataka assembly elections, the party retained its traditional stronghold in the coastal region by securing victories in 11 of the 13 constituencies in the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
Karnataka-based IT professional Prabha Arun Kumar who was stabbed to death in Australia was on Sunday cremated amid poignant scenes at her native Amtoor.
The BJP is has set its sight on regaining power by winning 150 out of 224 assembly seats.
Police had denied permission for the rally but the BJP insisted they would go ahead with the rally plan.
