K.R. Pet: Trading charges against political rival JD(S), Independent candidate  Sumalatha Ambarish appealed voters of the constituency to vote for her candidature who is fighting to uphold the dignity and self-respect of the people of Mandya.

Addressing a large gathering of people after conducting road shows at various villages of Akkihebbal and Bukanakere hoblis of K.R. Pet taluk yesterday, she said that Mandya is not ancestral property for outsiders. Conscious and self-respecting people of the constituency must elect her to protect the pride of Mandya, she said.

Stating that she knew that she was taking on the son of Chief Minister of the State, she alleged that her rivals had resorted to all kinds of cheap politics to win this elections by exhibiting money and muscle power besides fielding candidates of her name to confuse the voters.

However, people of Mandya will choose original Sumalatha among 100 such Sumalathas and elect her with a thumping majority of three lakh votes, she added.

Coming down heavily on the alliance of Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar and Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy of JD(S) to defeat her in the Lok Sabha polls, she castigated both the leaders for declaring themselves as “Jodetthugalu” (Pair of Bullocks) working for the overall development of Mandya.

She also said that cine actors Darshan and Yash, who are like her sons, would campaign for her victory across the constituency from Apr.2 onwards despite the criticism against them from her political opponents.

Sumalatha expressed her gratitude for residents of Bukanakere, the birth place of State BJP Chief and former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddrayuppa for giving a rousing welcome during her visit.

She also thanked B.S. Yeddyurappa, BJP, Swaraj India, Raitha Sangha, other parties and progressive organisations for supporting her candidature though she has no money.

Sumalatha performed ‘special pujas’ at Adishakti Gogalamma Devi Temple at Bukanakere, the presiding deity of the village and Kallahalli Bhuvarahaswamy Temple.

Block Congress President K.R. Ravindrababu, Block Congress SC Unit President Shivanna, Taluk BJP President B.C. Manjunath, Taluk Raitha Sangha President Maruvanahalli Shankar, Taluk Ambarish Fans Association President Zabiulla, Block Congress Women Cell President A.M. Kalavathi, former DCC Bank Director V.D. Harish, District Congress Secretary B.T. Venkatesh and others  were present.