Mandya: The Lok Sabha poll campaign intensified this morning in Mandya where Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy himself entering the campaign spree.

The constituency is witnessing a high-pitched battle between independent candidate Sumalatha Ambarish and CM’s son Nikhil Kumaraswamy.

Sandalwood actor Darshan known as ‘challenging star’ resumed his campaign from K.R. Nagar assembly segment. He conducted road shows at various villages.

Actor Yash also continued his road shows at various villages of Maddur assembly segment including Mallanakuppe, Chikkarasinekere and Doddarasinakere, the birthplace of late actor Ambarish.

Striking an emotional chord, Yash appealed the voters to elect Sumalatha with a huge margin to uphold the self respect of the people and pride of Mandya. “Sumalatha is the daughter–in- law of Mandya. People should respect Ambarish, known as ‘Mandyada Gandu’ who made Mandya famous by his cinema career and became famous as like ‘Maddur Vada across the nation,” he said.

Fans of both the actors welcomed them by garlanding and showering flower petals and bursting crackers.

Kumaraswamy, who arrived on a specially designed hi-tech luxury bus  ‘Vikasa Vahini’ for election campaign, also sought votes for his son Nikhil at various villages of Srirangapatna taluk accompanied by local MLA Ravindra Srikantaiah and others.       

Sumalatha also continued her road shows accompanied by Raitha Sangha leader Darshan Puttannaiah at various villages of Pandavapura taluk. Coalition candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy also conducted brisk campaigning at various villages of K.R. Nagar taluk along with Minister S. R. Mahesh.