Mysuru: I am sure Congmen will follow coalition dharma, says Nikhil Kumaraswamy

Mysuru: Donning a white shirt and white panche (lungi), Nikhil Kumaraswamy launched his election campaign at Dalavai Kodihalli and Halaguru near Malavalli in the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday.

“I have no selfish interests. I am contesting in response to the decision of party leaders and to earn the love of people by being amidst them,” he said. On actress Sumalatha Ambareesh’s decision to contest against him, he said, “Anyone can contest the elections. I wish her well.”

When asked about popular Kannada actors Yash and Darshan backing her, Nikhil replied, “In Mandya district, our party workers are our foot soldiers. So there is no question of fearing anyone. If film stars are heroes in movies, Mr H.D. Deve Gowda (JD-S supremo) is the real hero of the nation and farmers. So nothing will happen with the arrival of any hero for the poll campaign.”

On some Congress workers in Mandya district backing Sumalatha he said, “I have already met Congress workers, they will support me. I am sure they will follow the coalition dharma.” Reacting to a ‘go back’ campaign launched against him in social media, he said, “if a few people ask us to go back, the scenario will not change, so it is not right to say so.”.

He added, “To make my father H.D. Kumaraswamy CM, you voted for him. Now, vote for me for I am the son of Mr Kumaraswamy.”