Don’t make baseless allegations against Returning Officer, Nikhil tells Sumalatha

Mandya: Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the Janata Dal (Secular) candidate in Mandya, has urged Independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh not to make allegations against the Returning Officer N. Manjushree without evidence.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a road-show in the district, Mr Nikhil Kumaraswamy said that it would remain an allegation if supportive documents are not provided. Nikhil also claimed his nomination papers were valid and had not flouted any poll norms adding that Sumalatha was making allegations to tarnish the Chief Minister’s image.

“I have come here to serve you and develop this district. It is Mr Kumaraswamy (Chief Minister) who banned single digit lottery and the sale of arrack. Many tried to scuttle it by making offers but my father didn't succumb to it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Regional Commissioner of Mysuru division held a hearing on the plaint by M.A. Madankumar, poll agent of Sumalatha, with regard to the confusion in the nomination papers of Nikhil.

The hearing went on for almost three hours. The poll agent explained to the officer his contention and also provided documents in support.

The Regional Commissioner promised to look into it and send a detailed report to the Election Commission of India.

“We may approach the court if we are not satisfied with the outcome of meeting,” Madankumar told reporters after the meeting.