Davanagere: Karnataka minister Zameer Ahmed Khan on Sunday (April 5) joined the campaign for the Davanagere South by-election, putting an end to speculation about his absence following ticket allocation.

Zameer, who had stayed away from early campaigning, said he has no dissatisfaction over the ticket decision and remains committed to the party high command’s directives.

Acting on the instructions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he arrived in the city on Sunday afternoon and visited the residence of district in-charge minister S. S. Mallikarjun. He later held discussions with Muslim leaders and displayed unity before the media.

Speaking to reporters, Zameer said he was engaged in election work in Kerala as a star campaigner and had been given responsibility for 10 districts, which prevented him from attending earlier events. “I came to Davanagere as per the Chief Minister’s instruction and to campaign for candidate Samarth,” he said.

Denying reports of discontent, he termed them as media-created. “Who said I was upset over the ticket issue? I was never unhappy. I had to answer three questions in the विधानसभा on the day of nomination filing, which is why I could not attend. I had informed the media then itself that I would campaign and ensure Samarth’s victory,” he added.