From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 11: JDS Yuva Morcha state president Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who is the son of JDS state president H D Kumaraswamy, on Sunday clarified that there was no question going back on his decision of not contesting from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency and declared that he would never take U-turn on his stand. 

Speaking to media persons at the party office after a meeting of JDS digital activists, he said he was saddened by the rumors of his plans to contest from Mandya and made it clear that he would strengthen the party and work for the victory of all the JDS-BJP candidates in the 28 seats in the state and his main objective was ‘strengthening Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his third term victory.’

“I have lost from Mandya parliamentary election in 2019 and later in Ramanagara in 2023 assembly elections. I am not an aspirant for the party ticket from any constituency. I am not going back on my decision of not contesting,’’ he said. 

At the same time, Nikhil said he was under tremendous pressure from party workers to contest from Manda and was grateful for their love and support. 

Nikhil said he does not know why rumors are spreading since the last four days that he will be contesting from Mandya and that he was pained.

“Yes, I have visited Mandya to strengthen the party and work for the JDS-BJP alliance. My entire focus is on all the 28 seats in the State.

To a question on former MLA Preetam Gowda’s opposition to JDS getting the Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha seats, he said the leaders of the two parties will decide on the issue. Time alone will answer all such question,” he said. 

On Maddur MLA Kadalur Uday’s statement whether there are no men in JDS to contest from Mandya, Nikhil said time will answer that. 

Answering another question, he said the ruling Congress is using the tax devolution and injustice from the Centre as an Election Gimmick and the share of taxes to States is decided by Finance Commission, which is an independent and autonomous body. 

Nikhil warmly welcomed the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Mysuru and made it clear that his father H D Kumaraswamy is not going to Mysuru to meet Amit Shah because of his health problems and is taking rest. ‘’My father has already informed Amit Shah about this,’’ he said asking party workers not to attribute any motives.