Mysuru: Congress candidate Manjunath contesting the by-election in ward 58 along with his supporters involved in clash with the supporters of Congress rebel candidate Ashwini Ananthu who is contesting as an independent candidate during their campaign at Gayathripuram here on Thursday, July 7.

The incident reportedly took place right in front of Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait.

According to sources, during election campaigning, both the candidates came face to face when they were canvassing at Gayathripuram. The supporters of both the candidates involved in heated exchange of words which later resulted in clashes. Nazarbad police immediately swung into action and managed to pacify both the groups. It is learnt that the Congress supporters were upset with the song ‘Nya Yellidhe’ which was used for campaigning by Ashwini Ananthu.

It may be recalled that Congree Corporator, B Ananthu died of cardiac arrest few months back. Though initially everyone thought that, the Congress may give the election ticket to his wife Ashwini Ananthu, but in the last minute the ticket was given to Manjunath who is said to be very close to Minister Tanveer Sait. An upset Ashwini decided to contest as a rebel candidate. The voting for the by election will be held on July 10.