Nikhil Kumaraswamy's Fan Attempts Suicide Following JD(S) Leader's Bypoll Defeat

A supporter of Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) candidate in the recent Channapatna by-election, attempted suicide in Srirampura village near Kudlur, Channapatna, following Kumaraswamy's defeat.

The individual, identified as Manjunath, also known as Abhi, ingested poison in an apparent emotional reaction to the loss. Before the act, he left a note stating, "I am a fan of Nikhil. I am responsible for my own death. Jai JD(S)."

Manjunath was rushed to a hospital in Mandya, where he was reported to be out of danger.

In the wake of the incident, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the son of former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, visited Manjunath at his home in Kudlur to offer support. Expressing his shock and sorrow, Nikhil reassured Manjunath of his assistance and encouraged him to remain hopeful.

"I am here for you, that's why I have come. I was upset when I learned about this. Please don't lose heart. I will try to help you in the future and will provide whatever help I can now," Nikhil said.

During his visit, Nikhil appealed to Manjunath, who has young children, to reconsider such extreme actions. "Please, look at the faces of your growing children. Even I have a three-year-old son. Let us take care of their future," he added. Nikhil also pledged to help Manjunath find employment, saying, "I will arrange some job opportunities for you."

In his statement to reporters, Nikhil emphasised that he was more distressed by Manjunath's suicide attempt than by his own electoral defeat.

"At 7.30 am, we got a message that Manjunath had consumed poison. Our workers and leaders built this party with zeal, but if admiration crosses the line, it causes pain to families," he said.

Appealing to his supporters, Nikhil urged them to express their admiration in healthier ways. "I ask fans and workers to not resort to such acts. It only hurts your families and us," he said, addressing JD(S) supporters across the state.