JUST IN: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to file nomination for May 12 polls from Badami constituency also on April 23.

The CM filed nomination from Chamundeshwari constituency yesterday.

Earlier, speculations were rife that Siddaramaiah, who was fielded from Chamundeshwari in Mysuru, will be opting for Badami in Bagalkote district of north Karnataka as his second seat.

He said that he was under pressure from Congress leaders from Bagalkote and Bijapur districts to contest from Badami, but maintained that he would abide by the high command's decision.

The Congress, in its list of candidates for 218 seats announced on April 15, had named Dr Devraj Patil as its nominee from Badami. However, issuing of B-form (required to be filed by a political party mentioning name of its approved candidate) was put on hold.

Badami with a strong presence of Karubas,the community to which Siddaramaiah belongs, was seen as the second safe option for the chief minister as reports have suggested that the battle in Chamundeshwari will not be an easy one for him.

Siddaramaiah has won five times and tasted defeat twice at Chamundeshwari, from where he has been announced as the candidate.

He has been representing Varuna constituency in Mysuru since 2008, which has now been allotted to his son Yatindra.

Speaking to reporters earlier on Saturday, Siddaramaiah said he had conveyed to the high command, his desire to contest only from Chamundeshwari constituency.

"I have told the high command that I will contest from Chamundeshwari and not from two constituencies. However, the people of north Karnataka are pressurising the high command that I should contest from north Karnataka too," he said.   -- ANI, PTI