Bangalore March 12: Janata Dal (S) in Karnataka today released its first list of 110 candidates to contest the Civic elections to the Brihath Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) scheduled to be held on March 28.

Speaking to newsmen here, former Karnataka Chief Minister and State JD(S) president H D Kumaraswamy, who released the list said his party would fight the elections on its own.

Blaming the state Congress leaders for thwarting any move for alliance in the elections with JD(S) , Mr Kumaraswamy expressed confidence that his party candidates would win more number of seats in the 198-member BBMP.

Expressing confidence that citizens in the IT hub would support his party, Mr Kumarswamy said the election manifesto would be released soon.

''JD(S) had started many programmes to improve the standard of living of the people in the city, including many infrastructure projects when it was in power'' he said.

Replying to questions, he alleged the division of secular votes would not benefit the ruling BJP which was facing the people's ire due to its anti-people programmes.

CM's plea for spl stamp on Shivakumara Swami

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had appealed to Union Minister for Communication & Information Technology D Raja to release a commemorative postal stamp on Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji. In a letter to the Union Minister, a copy of which was released to the press here today, the Chief Minister said the Swamiji, heading the Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur, was a living legend who had dedicated his entire life to providing education in rural areas.

''The seer assumed as Head of Sri Mutt on 11.01.1941 and till date he has engaged himself in service of poor. ''More than 8000 students were provided with boarding and education in the mutt and it has become a Center for Jnana-Vignana.

Include 4 more cities under 'Slum Free City' campaign:Cm

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today appealed to Union Tourism, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Selja to include four more cities under 'Slum Free City Campaign.' Thanking the Minister for selecting Bangalore and Mysore cities in the State for launching the campaign, the Chief Minister in a letter to the Union Minister, said ''I request you to also include Hubli-Dharwad, Shimoga, Gulbarga and Belgaum for 'Slum Free City campaign.''

The campaign aimed at articulating slum free city vision and preparing slum free city plans. Mr Yeddyurappa said ''I would like to convey my Government's commitment for the cause of slum free city and wish to add that we have already initiated required measures, as per the guidelines of the scheme.'' A meeting in this regard with stakeholders concerned was also held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary,'' the Chief Minister said.

He said a dedicated team of officials would be placed both at the State capital and city levels for establishing Technical Support mechanisms and to develop necessary State Policy and legal framework. ''My state is fully committed to make the selected two cities slum free with the support of Union Government under Rajiv Awas Yojana,'' the Chief Minister said. Karnataka Slum Clearance Board Commissioner would be the Nodal Officer for coordinating the slum free cities plan and related activities.

Our Correspondent