RAMANAGARA: Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Ramanagara MLA Anitha Kumaraswamy’s son and actor Nikhil Kumaraswamy will try his electoral fortunes from the Ramanagara segment in the 2023 Assembly polls.
Nikhil’s mother Anitha Kumaraswamy made the announcement at the Pancharatna Yatra being conducted by the Janata Dal (Secular) on Saturday towards the end of her public address at the programme organised at the Old Bus Stand in Ramanagara. With this, she has indicated that she will be giving up her constituency for her son’s political journey.
When Anitha announced the name of Nikhil Kumarswamy, party activists cheered loudly by shouting Nikhil’s name. In an emotional speech, Anitha said, “I will give more priority to my family. I will pray to God for the growth and well being of my husband and son every day. Some people are spreading false information about our constituency. I urge the people not to give anyone a chance to create confusion”.
Addressing the rally, H D Kumaraswamy said, “I said ‘no’ to Nikhil entering politics. I wanted to see him in the film industry and shining in that field. But, under party pressure, he contested from Mandya and lost due to a political conspiracy. I am not worried about Nikhil. Voters, who gave birth to me, will take care of him. I am not saying this to gain sympathy. Anitha took the decision by reposing faith in the voters. I’m confident that no conspiracy like Mandya will succeed here”.
Further, he said, “People will save us from all obstacles in politics. We will continue to keep Nikhil in your (the voters’) good graces. Protect him as your son and give him an opportunity to share your joys and grief. Let’s give him strength to break through Chakravyuha. Ramanagara is not an easy constituency and a conspiracy is possible here too, as it was in Mandya. I believe money and political dominance will not work here, there is value for love and affection. Anitha announced Nikhil’s name without bringing it to my notice, but I agree with her decision”.
Later, speaking to the media about his son Nikhil contesting from Ramanagara, Kumaraswamy said, “There is no issue about selecting candidates in Ramanagara. Party workers will make the final decision. I was told to leave the candidate selection to them. I agree with their decision and feelings. Ramanagara has grown and even Anitha Kumaraswamy provided good service. Party members have good opinion about both. Let them decide who should contest the election”.
On his part, Nikhil Kumaraswamy said, “The decision about contesting from Ramanagara is left to the party. They have given me a responsibility of organising the party. The party made me as state president for the JDS youth wing. I am travelling across the state to organise the party. Kumaranna is taking out the Pancharatna Ratha Yatra to energise the cadre. Hence, I am travelling around Ramanagara. I have no faith in the two other national parties. There are no loyal party workers in those two parties”.
Speaking after his mother made the announcement, he said, “She announced my name all of a sudden. I never considered contesting the upcoming Assembly election. I am working as state president for the JDS youth unit. The people of Ramanagara supported former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and H D Kumaraswamy’s political development. A huge responsibility has been given to me today. In my my opinion, Kumaraswamy is the most suitable candidate for Ramanagara till today. Anita Kumaraswamy announced my name considering the services of Kumaraswamy to the constituency”.
“When I was defeated in Mandya, I received about 50,000 votes. The people of Mandya never did injustice to me. I cannot repay their debts till my last breath. My desire is to improve the lives of farmers, youth and women. I wish that a government led by Kumaraswamy is formed next. We will provide a peaceful and harmonious administration. I have no doubt in this”, Nikhil added.
Nikhil Kumaraswamy sougth the support of voters from Ramanagara to continue the services of Anita Kumaraswamy and H D Kumaraswamy.