Nikhil Kumaraswamy fan attempts suicide after JD(S) leader's bypoll loss

A JD(S) supporter attempted suicide after Nikhil Kumaraswamy's defeat in the Channapatna by-election, leaving a note expressing his distress. Nikhil visited him in hospital, offering support and urging him to reconsider such extreme actions for the sake of his family.

In Short

• JD(S) supporter attempted suicide after Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s Channapatna defeat
• Nikhil visits supporter in hospital, promised help and urged him not to repeat it
• JD(S) leader appealed to fans to express admiration without harming themselves

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

The individual, identified as Manjunath, also known as Abhi, consumed poison in an apparent emotional reaction to the loss. Before the act, Manjunath left a note stating, “I am a fan of Nikhil. I am responsible for my own death. Jai JDS.”

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

Following the incident, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who’s the son of former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, visited Manjunath at his home in Kudlur to offer support. Expressing his shock and sadness, Nikhil assured Manjunath of his help and urged him to stay 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 promised to help Manjunath find employment, saying, “I will arrange some job opportunities for you.”

In his statement to reporters, Nikhil emphasized that he was more pained 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.