Anti-alliance activities pick up in Mandya

With the Congress deciding to cede Mandya Lok Sabha constituency to JD(S), local Congress leaders are allegedly involved in anti-alliance activities, which has turned into a headache for senior leaders.

The party faced a similar situation during the Lok Sabha by-election held last year in November.

The Congress’ decision to leave the seat to the JD(S) as part of its seat-sharing arrangement has led to dissidence in the party. The state-level leaders, who had come to convince them here, had to face a tough time.

Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar has been given the responsibility of convincing the party workers. As Shivakumar is expected to visit the district to pacify the agitated Congressmen, the party workers have planned to stage ‘Go back DKShi’ movement against him.

The Congress high command has directed the party workers to extend their support to JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy. But a section of the Congress leaders has identified itself
with Sumalatha, wife of later actor-politician Ambareesh who is yet to announce her political stand.

This has placed the party in a difficult situation. The Congress and JD(S) are bitter rivals and the BJP is a minor force in the southern districts.

District Congress Committee president C D Gangadhar, who convened a press meet, said the party workers, if they are unhappy, should discuss it only in the party forum only and not make their opinion public.

The high command has told the workers to refrain from issuing irresponsible statements and abide by the decision of state leaders, he stressed.

Nikhil launches campaign

Meanwhile, Nikhil Kumaraswamy launched his political campaign on Wednesday by performing special puja at a temple at Gollaradoddi village in Maddur taluk. He visited several villages and sought the support of the villagers.

Sumalatha visited Ramaroodha Mutt, Dodda Mutt and Hosa Mutt in Malavalli taluk and sought the blessings of the seers.

DH News Service