Kumaraswamy's son JD-S candidate from Mandya LS seat

Karnataka's ruling Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) on Thursday announced Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil as its candidate from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency.

"It was the party workers who had suggested Nikhil as the candidate. He (Nikhil) is keen to serve the people of the constituency," said Kumaraswamy addressing a party rally in Mandya.

The announcement of the 29-year-old Kannada actor's candidature from the JD-S stronghold of Mandya came in the presence of JD-S supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and other party leaders.

"Nikhil was chosen as JD-S candidate after consulting all our legislators," Deve Gowda told the gathering.

Brushing off the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that he was using his official position to promote his family, Kumaraswamy said he is working for people of the state and not monetary assets.

"People of this constituency and the state are my assets, and not money," he said.

Stating that he had a "special bond" with the people of Mandya, Kumaraswamy said his farm loan waiver scheme benefitted crores of farmers in the district and across state.

"District JD-S leaders who have offered their support to Nikhil will ensure his victory in the Lok Sabha elections," Kumaraswamy added.

Deve Gowda's other grandson Prajwal Revanna was also announced as JD-S candidate from Hassan Lok Sabha seat on Wednesday.

--IANS

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