DK Shivakumar's brother files nomination from Kanakapura

BENGALURU: The Congress party sprang a surprise on Thursday with its Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha member D.K. Suresh filing his nomination papers from Kanakapura constituency in Ramanagar district.

D.K. Suresh, the younger brother of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) D.K. Shivakumar, filed the nomination as a precautionary measure by the Congress in case the latter's nomination gets rejected by the Election Commission.

Shivakumar, who filed his nominations with ‘B’ form issued by the party, has represented the constituency undefeated since 1989.

After filing papers, D.K. Suresh stated that the nominations of his brother D.K. Shivakumar has been a ‘valid’ one but his nomination for Kanakapura seat is a ‘safer’ step since there could be a ‘conspiracy’ to reject his brother’s nomination to contest in Kanakapura seat.

Suresh said that Shivakumar has been served notice by CBI four days back asking him to appear in person.

Prior to filing papers, D.K. Suresh was in Channapatna and rushed to Kanakapura to file his papers. Before leaving for Kanakapura, Suresh asked his supporters and party men to gather in Kanakapura for a meeting later in the evening.

Persons close to D.K. Shivakumar stated that the leader has contested eight elections and is aware of details to be furnished at the time of nominations and termed that that his papers would be ‘valid.’

D.K. Suresh fears that his brother D.K. Shivakumar would be charged with money laundering after the investigation conducted by Income Tax officials. He was arrested and lodged in Tihar Jail and was granted bail by Delhi High Court in October 2019.

Scrutiny of nominations will be done on Friday and Monday is the last date for withdrawal of papers.

In Kanakapura seat, Congress party is in contest with Bharatiya Janata Party nominee and Minister for Revenue R. Ashok and Janata Dal Secular nominee Nagaraj.