'BJP tried to disqualify me': DK Shivakumar takes on CM Bommai ahead of Karnataka polls

Senior Congress functionaries said the surprise move of DK Suresh filing nomination papers in his brother and CM aspirant DK Shivakumar's constituency Kanakapura as a "substitute" on the last day of nominations was a "precautionary measure". "They (BJP) did not spare Rahul Gandhi. Will they spare me? But I will never surrender to them," Shivakumar, who filed his nomination on April 17, told a gathering at a rally in Mandya. His brother's nomination was part of Congress's back-up plan as they suspect a certain conspiracy by BJP, Shivakumar added. "BJP has been harassing my brother for years since he refused to buckle under pressure as they wanted him to desert Congress and join BJP. Now, we can sense they are conspiring to scuttle Shivakumar's chances of winning the elections by ensuring the rejection of his nomination. They can even arm-twist the election officials. So, I filed nomination as a back-up," said Suresh.