Mandya: There seems to be a dissent in the state Congress, as some party leaders are reportedly unwilling to extend their support to Congress-Janata Dal (S) coalition candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who will contest the general election from Mandya constituency. Some Congress party leaders do not wish to campaign against independent candidate Sumalatha.
Expressing his concern over this, JD(S) Supremo H D Devegowda, during a rally on Thursday, April 4, at K R Pet, said that his grandson Nikhil was not facing an easy election. “The situation has become so extreme that even Siddaramaiah cannot do anything about it. We will not go to the doorsteps of the leaders or party workers within the coalition asking for their support, instead we will go to the people. The people are our family and friends,” said Devegowda.
Slamming film stars Darshan and Yash for supporting Sumalatha, who is also an actress, HDD said that there is no bigger actor than Dr. Rajkumar. “We approached Dr. Rajkumar to contest an election back in those days, when Indira Gandhi had contested from Chikkamagalur constituency. Rajkumar did not agree. Several actors have been elected from Mandya but the district has not benefitted in any way”, added HDD.
Sumalatha was denied the Congress ticket as the Mandya Lok Sabha seat was conceded to the JD(S) as part of the pre-poll seat-sharing arrangement. However, a section of Congress party leaders are refusing to support Nikhil Kumaraswamy. Even Siddaramaiah’s efforts to convince Mandya Congress leaders did not work, as they are disinclined to campaign for Nikhil. Reportedly, the Congress workers in the Indavalu village of Mandya taluk have openly declared their support to Sumalatha and said they would wave the Congress’ flag for her.
“People are targeting me and Kumaraswamy. Opponents have ganged up against Kumaraswamy but will not succeed,” said Devegowda shedding a tear.
