Bengaluru: Union state minister for commerce and industries Nirmala Sitaraman filed nomination on Tuesday morning for Rajya Sabha slot.

Several senior leaders of state BJP were present at the office of returning officer at the time of filing nomination.

Speaking to media after filing nomination, she said that she understands the problems faced by the state and promised to fight for the cause of Karnataka.

When asked about learning Kannada if she is elected, she promised to do the same as soon as possible.

The candidature of Venkaiah Naidu for the RS berth had stirred controversy as Kannada activists stated that Naidu had failed to learn the language of the land despite having been elected to the Rajya Sabha for three consecutive terms.

However, Nirmala Sitaraman promised to learn Kannada keeping that fact in mind.

Meanwhile, former state minister V Somanna and Lehar Singh filed their nomination for Vidhana Parishad seats.