Granddad Deve Gowda is my role model: Nikhil Kumaraswamy

BENGALURU: After performing special puja at Sringeri Mutt on Wednesday, which has proved lucky in the past for his father chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, third generation protégé of Deve Gowda’s family, is set for a high-decibel campaign as the JD(S) candidate for Mandya Lok Sabha seat. In an interview with TOI, the 29 year-old actor said the people of Mandya “need me”.Excerpts.
You have already begun campaigning in Mandya, but there is still some confusion whether you will contest from Mandya or Mysuru…
I have called a meeting of Mandya JD(S) leaders on Thursday to discuss issues pertaining to the district and poll strategy. I will launch my formal campaign from Friday. My candidature from Mandya was announced by ‘doddavaru’ (grandfather, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda). In Mysuru I told the audience that I will be with them and asked them to give me an opportunity. I did not ask for a seat. I went there since minister GT Devegowda, who is in charge of Mysuru district, was calling me often.
How do you plan to win over local Congress workers, who are peeved with the coalition set up?
I will speak to Congress workers. To be honest I became the candidate only after seeking the opinion of local JD(S) workers. I took a break for two months from films in the last assembly elections and I toured 67 villages in the district. There is great bonding between local workers and me. Based on their direction, Gowda announced my candidature from Mandya and the Congress has given the green signal also. Everyone wants me there.
Did you expect to get into electoral politics so early?
I have seen politics since the day I was born. I should have come much earlier into politics, but went into films instead. But I wanted to prove to myself that I can do something outside politics. I have done two films so far. I won’t give up my film career, but my party needs me at this point and Mandya ‘janaa’ (people) are my first preference.
Who is your role model in politics?
It has always been my grandfather. From what I have learnt talking to him or from other people, the history of his life is an inspiration for youngsters. His rise, from being a farmer’s son to becoming the Prime Minister, is remarkable. If I have to sum up my grandfather in one word, I’d say he is a fighter. I appreciate the simplicity of my father. But my grandfather cannot be my father and vice versa.
How does it feel to face actor MH Ambareesh’s wife Sumalatha, who may be a poll opponent, considering he was a family friend?
I have high regards for Ambareesh anna, Sumalatha akka and their son Abhishek. I believe politics should not break relationships. I welcome Sumalatha into the electoral fray as anyone is free to contest in a democracy. When Ambareesh died, whatever my father did was from the heart. People of Mandya have seen it and it was our duty too.
What will be your poll plank be?
I will talk about my vision for Mandya. The government too has released Rs 9,000 crore for the district. I represent youth and my stand is employment for youth. Many cab drivers and employees in Darshinis are from Mandya, Ramanagara and Mysuru and they happen to be children of farmers. If youth migrate out of the district, who will do farming? I also want to start smart schools in Mandya and Ramanagara.
You also have a young contender in Prajwal Revanna within the family…
My cousin Prajwal has been striving for the party in recent years. It is high time he is given a ticket and Gowda has announced his candidature for the Hassan Lok Sabha seat. I welcome him.