Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has claimed that those in the "opposite camp" will come to the support of JD(S) in Mandya.

“Wait and watch. The votes of those who are seen with Nikhil’s opponent (referring to Independent candidate, actor, Sumalatha) will also come to the JD(S),” Kumaraswamy said on Wednesday. The chief has been camping in Mandya to canvass for his son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the JD(S)-Congress coalition candidate for Mandya Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking to reporters, before leaving for Melkote, Kumaraswamy said that Nikhil had concern for the farmers of the district. "Nikhil is a person with humanity and political consciousness. Hence, the party decided to field him”.

The CM told the reporters that he has directed the ministers and legislators not to react to criticisms on the social media. The election should be fought with respect for the opponent, he opined.

Later, he held a meeting with JD(S) leaders C S Puttaraju, Ravindra Srikantaiah, K C Narayanagowda, K Annadani and K Sureshgowda.

Nikhil would file his nomination papers on March 21. Speaking at a meeting here, he said, he would again file the papers on March 25, in the presence of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, ministers, and legislators of the district.

When questioned about the star campaigners for Sumalatha, Nikhil said, “Kumaraswamy is the real star.”