‘I respect people’s verdict, I accept it with humility’: Nikhil Kumaraswamy after election loss

BENGALURU: NDA candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy opened up after the defeat in the Channapatna election and said that despite his loss, he respects the democratic process and the people’s verdict. The Channapatna poll was a much-awaited election.

Nikhil mentioned that he had worked tirelessly for the people and had expected a different outcome. But the election results have come as a shock to everyone, he said.

“In the final stage of the election campaign, over the past 18 days, everyone in every village has shown me love and affection. About 87,000 votes were cast. People and voters have the right to deliver verdict in democracy. I thank everyone for this”, he said.

He further added, “This was an unexpected by-election. I have to bow my head to the final decision. I had given some promises during the election, but those promises will not decide the victory or defeat of the election. I will make a sincere effort to repay voters’ debt. I will not go back on my words. I consider myself a son of this district.

“I may not have been born here, but I am emotionally connected to Bidadi Thota as it was purchased in 1985. The party have worked hard and honestly. But there are some reasons for the election defeat. The reason may be that the votes of one particular community were concentrated on one side. Our party has stood with that particular community many times, but that community has not stood with us. But it’s okay. I will not be disturbed by this loss. I wanted to tell loyal workers of the state. I am young; I have taken everything in my strde. I will be a voice for everyone,” Nikhil added.

“I admit that I have lost three times. I have not seen a win”, Nikhil said. “I drew inspiration from historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Ambedkar, and Vajpayee, who had also faced setbacks in their careers. If they had lost in this situation, they would have been accused of family politics and selfishness. Now I will bear this responsibility and sleep peacefully”, Nikhil added.

“This one defeat cannot make JDS free in the district. The Congress party lost in the Lok Sabha, it doesn’t mean that they have no strength or that their strength has increased again with this victory since then”, Nikhil Kumaraswamy noted.