Mandya: JD(S)-Congress coalition candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, has postponed the filing of nomination papers for Mandya Lok Sabha  constituency.

Going by the advice of priests and family members, Nikhil was to file a set of nomination papers at 12.30 pm today, considered an auspicious time. An announcement was made in Bengaluru yesterday that Nikhil would come to Mandya from Bengaluru to file his nomination papers and would be accompanied by his grandfather and JD(S) Supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Another set of nomination was to be filed   on Mar.25.

However, reports this morning said that Nikhil will not file his papers today but on Mar.25 at an auspicious time. Sources said that astrologer Dwarakanath, who is popularly called as ‘Raja Guru,’ in political and social circles, advised Nikhil not to file his nominations today. On Mar.25, Nikhil will file papers and both Congress and JD(S) will attempt a ‘show of strength’ to match the huge road show displayed by Sumalatha in Mandya yesterday.

Yesterday, veteran actress Sumalatha filed her papers and led a massive road show and a public meeting. Sumalatha will fight the elections as an Independent Candidate and is pitted against Nikhil. Several Sandalwood stars including Darshan, KGF-fame Yash, senior actor Doddanna and Producer Rockline Venkatesh accompanied Sumalatha.

Sumalatha’s road show was witnessed by Kumaraswamy and his Cabinet colleagues who were glued to a television set at a resort in Krishna Raja Sagar.

As they watched Ambarish’s fans putting up a huge show at Silver Jubilee Park, Kumaraswamy has realised that he would have to revamp Nikhil’s poll strategy. Later he told his party workers, “We are also capable of speaking emotionally. The people of Mandya know who has done what.”

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has banned screening of movies starring Sumalatha and Nikhil on Doordarshan till voting in the seat is over. The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer of Mandya Parliamentary Seat N. Manjushree. She has also clarified that the ban is not applicable to private TV channels and theatres.

Simha’s nomination date: Mar.25

For the Mysuru-Kodagu Parliamentary seat, BJP candidate and sitting MP Pratap Simha will file his nomination on Mar.25.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Simha said that he will perform a puja at Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the Mysore Palace North Gate and hold a meeting of supporters.

Later, he will proceed to Mysuru Deputy Commissioner’s Office and submit his nomination papers.