It’s ‘murder of democracy’ in Mandya, says Sumalatha Ambareesh

Mandya: Responding to an audio recording exposing the alleged plans of the Janata Dal (Secular) to splurge Rs 150 crore on Mandya these polls, independent candidate from the constituency, Ms Sumalatha Ambareesh called it a "murder of democracy."   

Speaking to reporters here, she said Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and other JD(S) leaders had targeted her from the start for one or the other reason and now it seemed like the CM wanted his son, Nikhil, to win at anycost. "This is nothing but a murder of democracy and I will bring it to the notice of the poll authorities," she said, adding that spending Rs 5 lakh on each booth was unheard of.

On Mandya sitting MP, L R Shivaramegowda comparing her to a 'Mayangane', Ms Sumalatha said this only showed the culture of the JD(S) leader who had no respect for women, soldiers or farmers.

On former Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah's appeal to the people of Mandya not to vote for her as she was backed by the BJP, she said he could have been forced to make this statement under pressure from the JD(S). "I know Mr Siddaramaiah very well and he may not have meant to target me," she maintained.

Meanwhile, Mr  Shivaramegowda claimed the audio recording was fake, and said such CDs were bound to come up during elections to harm political rivals. "I haven't spoken to my son for the last two days, but it looks like a sinister design is afoot to tarnish mine and the JD(S)'s image. It could be the handiwork of Ms Sumalatha Ambareesh to gain the sympathy of Mandya voters," he charged.