Cong workers missing during Nikhil's show of strength

Hundreds of JD(S) workers take part in a procession with their candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Mandya on Monday while he was on his way to file nomination papers. (Right) Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy addresses JD(S) and Congress workers. DH photo

Nearly one lakh of people, including JD(S) leaders and workers, took part in the rally taken out before Nikhil Kumaraswamy, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's son, filed nomination papers as the Congress-JD(S) coalition candidate here on Monday. However, the absence of several Congress leaders, except Ministers D K Shivakumar and C S Puttaraju, was quite visible.

It appears as if the dissent between the JD(S) and Congress workers still exists in the district.

Though the rally, organised by the Congress and the JD(S) was a massive one, hardly a few Congress party workers from Mandya district were seen.

While thousands of JD(S) flags were seen flying during the procession, not more than ten flags of Congress were seen - either in the rally route or in the city. The rally was taken out from Kalikamba Temple to the DC's Office.

It may be mentioned that Congress workers were reluctant to work for the JD(S) due to several internal issues. Due to the opposition to the JD(S) candidate, a large number of Congress workers openly extended support to independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh. Several Congress workers, holding party flags, had joined Sumalatha, during a road show on March 20. Following the support to the independent candidate, Congress had expelled six of its leaders.

Nikhil said there are some differences between the JD(S) and Congess workers and all the issues will be resolved. “I am here to serve the people and not to rule. I will take all the people and party workers into confidence. We, JD(S) and Congress workers, will maintain brotherly relationship in the district,” Nikhil assured.

A local leader said the JD(S) leaders have been neglecting the Congress workers and they have no option, but, to support the independent candidate. “We don’t bother even if the party initiates disciplinary action against us,” he said.

MP L R Shivaramegowda and MLAs of the district, took part in the rally.

The leaders, including Kumaraswamy and Shivakumar, addressed the party workers and urged them to support the secular parties to keep away the BJP from power.

Nikhil filed his nomination papers at the DC's office.

He was accompanied by his mother Anitha Kumaraswamy, uncle, also PWD Minister H D Revanna, and Ministers D K Shivakumar and C S Puttaraju. The nomination was filed at 2.30 pm as per the suggestion of an astrologer.

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Assets and liabilities

Nikhil has movable assets worth Rs 17,53,87,762 while his immovable properties are worth Rs 22,53,05,668. He has liabilities worth Rs 2,40,04,283. None of his liabilities are under dispute, according to the affadavit filed by him.