Lok Sabha elections: Yeddyurappa pledges support for Sumalatha

MYSURU/MANDYA: Even as actor Sumalatha, who will contest as an independent, welcomed the BJP’s support for her in

Mandya

, the JD(S) top brass is seeking to take her on by holding a mega roadshow when party candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy files his nomination papers on Monday.


In Bengaluru, state BJP president BS Yeddyurappa said he will personally campaign for the actor in Mandya. “The party has extended its support officially and I, along with leaders of my party, will campaign for her in Mandya,” Yeddyurappa said.

Sumalatha said the BJP’s move showed “respect for Ambareesh” and said it will help her wrest the segment from the JD(S). However, her supporters fear that the BJP’s support could drive away the 3 lakh Muslims voters in the segment.

The JD(S) though is leaving no stone unturned. Nikhil called the BJP’s support to his rival “a ploy” to defeat him and his party plans to send a loud and clear message to Sumalatha with the roadshow. Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, Nikhil’s father, checked in to Mandya and kicked off preparations for Monday’s show of strength.

“A mammoth rally has been organized from Silver Jubilee Park to the deputy commissioner’s office,” Kumaraswamy said. The CM admitted that there is confusion among some Congress leaders, which, he said will be sorted out through dialogue. “I’m not worried given the JD(S) has strong support,” he said adding he has asked Siddaramaiah to be present when Nikhil files his nomination.

He exuded confidence that Nikhil will win Mandya. “I know a big conspiracy has been hatched,” he said. “BJP leaders and my foes have united against us. “But the people of Mandya voted JD(S) to power will made me the CM.”

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