Sumalatha has no knowledge of law, says Bhoje Gowda

Independent candidate A Sumalatha from Mandya has no knowledge of the law. The allegations made by her, against the deputy commissioner, in connection with JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, shows her ignorance, said JD(S) state spokesperson S L Bhoje Gowda.

Speaking at a press conference in Chikkamagaluru on Monday, he said that the allegation on influencing the district returning officer to allot a favourable serial number for Nikhil is totally baseless. Section 38 of the representation of the people act says that the name of the candidates from political parties should be mentioned in the list first. The names of independent candidates will appear later. The list has been prepared accordingly.

Sumalatha has been misleading the people by alleging that H D Kumaraswamy has misused his power, he said.

A Sumalatha’s election agent Madan Kumar had sought relevant records from the returning officer and Mandya observer J Ranjith Kumar has provided a written document of five pages. The accusations are wrong. There is no confusion as per the official records. If the reply by the officer is wrong, the same can be questioned in the court, said Bhoje Gowda.

He further stated that H D Kumaraswamy will deliver speeches as a part of the campaign for Udupi-Chikmagalur coalition candidate in Sringeri, Tarikere, Mudigere and Chikkamagaluru.

A public meet will be held in Chikkamagaluru. JD(S) president Deve Gowda and former chief minister Siddaramaiah will take part, the MLC added.

JD(S) leaders H D Devraj, Chandrappa, Vinay, Dinesh and Lakshman were present at the press conference.