Former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party Karnataka unit president S Bangarappa on Monday jumped into the fray to contest against BJP chief Ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa from Shikaripura constituency in Shimoga district in the next month's assembly elections.

Coverage: Battleground Karnataka

Bangarappa's entry into the fray has generated considerable interest as it would be a clash between two political stalwarts of the state as also former chief ministers.

Bangarappa had joined the BJP before the 2004 general elections but later switched loyalty to the SP.

Accompanied by his son Madhu Bangarappa and a large number of supporters, Bangarappa filed his nominations.

"I am confident of winning. People are against Yeddyurappa," he said.

The constituency will go to polls in second phase on May 16.