CM sees systematic campaign against Nikhil

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who is facing flak for promoting his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s entry into electoral politics, on Wednesday charged that there was a systematic campaign against the latter’s candidature from Mandya.

Ever since Kumaraswamy and his father and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda announced the party’s decision to field Nikhil from Mandya, the actor has been attracting trolls on social media.

A group has even launched ‘Go back Nikhil’ campaign, sharing memes through various social media platforms, following which, Nikhil has been stuck with the “outsider” tag.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy said there was no set rule mandating that candidates be restricted to their own constituencies.

“There are for and against views in all constituencies. Several leaders have contested from constituencies which they had no familiarity with. They hail from a particular constituency, but have contested and won from a different constituency. For instance, BJP leader Sadananda Gowda hails from Mangaluru, but he is now an MP from Bangalore North. Likewise, B S Yeddyurappa is from Mandya, but he is doing politics in Shimoga. I was born in Hassan, but I represent Ramanagara. Anybody can contest from anywhere. However, I know there is a systematic campaign, though there is no opposition in Mandya,” he added.

Kumaraswamy said his family would never “misuse” the love and affection of the people of Mandya. “We have had this bond for several years now. It is the people who will decide - not leaders of any party,” he added.

The chief minister said those who were active on social media more often than not abstained from venturing out and exercising their franchise.