Mysuru / Mandya: Even as the nomination papers filed by first-timer Nikhil Kumaraswamy from JD(S)-Congress coalition from Mandya is mired in controversy and even as independent candidate — also a fist timer — Sumalatha  Ambarish is crying foul over the Mandya Election Officers’ alleged attempts to help her opponent Nikhil misusing their official position, campaigning in Mandya has picked up steam with the entry of Sandalwood’s ‘Challenging Star’ Darshan this morning.

While Darshan launched today’s campaign from Aralikatte village at Krishna Raja Sagar village near Srirangapatna, Nikhil has hit the hinterland at Santhebachalli and Kikkeri at K.R. Pet Taluk. When reporters asked Nikhil about ‘Star’ campaigner Darshan, he quipped, “My father H.D. Kumaraswamy is my biggest star campaigner and our party workers   are our soldiers.”

Darshan, who stayed at a private hotel last night, began his campaigning at around 10 am from Krishna Raja Sagar village. He canvassed in many villages and moved in an open vehicle amidst cheers from villagers and fans. Interestingly, people trooped around to take photographs of the actor even as crowds listened to what he says.

While Darshan began his formal campaign today, actor Yash is expected to canvass for Sumalatha tomorrow at 10 am. Darshan covered villages including Hulikere, Belagola, Annadoor, Palahalli and he is scheduled to visit at least 10 villages by evening.

In his address to voters, he recalled how late actor and politician M.H. Ambarish fought for River Cauvery and the water share Mandya has to get. “Ambarish resigned as Union Minister fighting for Cauvery and his sacrifice has to be acknowledged by voting in favour of Sumalatha. She has entered the electoral fray for an opportunity to serve the people of Mandya and she must be elected to continue Ambarish’s legacy,” he said.

Without mentioning names of people who have criticised his move to canvass for Sumalatha, Darshan said, “I will not reply to their charges. All questions, allegations and criticisms will be answered on Apr. 18 (when the voting is completed) and on May 23 (when the results are announced),” he said.

He appealed to the voters to look for Serial Number 20 and vote for Sumalatha. “Here too, you have to make sure that you press the button against Sumalatha’s photo as there are two other Sumalathas to confuse you,” he said.

Fresh controversy

The woes of Mandya LS seat JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy seems to have no end as a fresh controversy has erupted over his name

According to reports, the name of Nikhil mentioned in is nomination papers filed on Mar. 25, differs from that mentioned in his voter ID card (EPIC), thus thronging up a question on the validity of Nikhil’s papers even as his main rival actress Sumalatha Ambarish has waged a battle seeking Nikhil’s disqualification, citing many discrepancies.