Antony files nomination for Rajya Sabha polls

Thiruvananthapuram, March 15 : Defence Minister A.K. Antony Monday filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections.

Antony, a three-time chief minister of the state, is contesting the Rajya Sabha polls for the third time.

"Like in the past, I will work for the interest of the state in Delhi," said Antony, who was accompanied by many leaders of the Congress-led United Democratic Front.

Antony filed his papers before Kerala legislative secretary P.D. Rajan in the assembly complex.

His victory is a foregone conclusion as the ruling Left Democratic Front can elect two and the opposition UDF one member to the Rajya Sabha. The state assembly has 140 members.

The three vacancies arose as the present term of Antony, V.S. Vijayaraghavan (Communist Party of India-Marxist) and P.V. Abdul Wahab (Indian Union Muslim League) is ending.

March 16 is the last date for filing of nominations. Polling will be held March 26.