S.P. Muddahanume Gowda, Congress MP for Tumakuru who was asked to cede the seat to Janata Dal (Secular) president H.D. Deve Gowda for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, took a “truth test” at Dharmasthala temple on Thursday to “prove” that he has not taken any money from any quarter to withdraw his nomination.
Mr. Muddahanume Gowda had filed his nomination papers as a “rebel” Congress candidate from Tumakuru in protest against the seat being given to the JD(S) in the coalition arrangement, but withdrew it later.
Addressing reporters at Dharmasthala, after having the “darshan” of Lord Manjunatha, where believers take what is called “truth test”, the MP said a section of the media had reported that he had taken “crores of rupees” for withdrawing the nomination. “It is not correct. The allegations have been made by those who are trying to tarnish my image and curtail my political growth,” Mr. Muddahanume Gowda said.