Mysuru: Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the Janata Dal (Secular) candidate for the Mandya Lok Sabha seat where he is pitted against actress Sumalatha Ambareesh, played it safe on Thursday saying he would not comment on the massive rally of his rival held on Wednesday adding that he had also asked JD(S) workers not to take the campaign to a personal level.
Nikhil who campaigned at Doddagarudanahalli in Mandya said that he would file his nomination on March 25 and had also asked JD(S) supporters to gather in large numbers.
“The date to file my nomination was tentatively scheduled for Thursday. But following directions from my grandfather H.D. Deve Gowda, the date has been postponed to March 25. You wait and watch to see how many people gather for the public meeting on that day. I will not speak on the convention held by Sumalatha. Even we have people. Wherever we go, the response is very good. I will fulfil the trust reposed in me as I cannot abandon the people of Mandya at any cost. Whether I win or not, I will be in Mandya,” he said.
At Muththegere Nikhil told the crowd that if elected as an MP, he will hold 'Grama Vaasthavya' (village visits) like his father H.D. Kumaraswamy and will hear the grievances of people.
“My father has work pressure. I have come here to take up his responsibility and stand with the people of Mandya on behalf of my father,” he said.
Nikhil also offered pooja to the family deity of late Ambareesh, Goddess Mayamma at Muththegere village and when asked about it, told reporters, “Only when we have God’s grace can we succeed. So naturally I am visiting temples whenever I visit any village.”
