Says she is ready to work with them for overall development of Mandya

Mandya: The newly-elected MP from Mandya Sumalatha Ambarish gave an open invitation to JD(S) leaders to shun their reproachful behaviour and join her to usher in overall development in Mandya district. “I am ready to bury differences for the welfare of the people of Mandya,” she  announced.

Sumalatha was addressing a huge crowd at a convention, ‘Swabhimaani Samavesha’, organised at Silver Jubilee Park last evening to celebrate the 67th birth anniversary of her husband Rebel Star M.H. Ambarish and to thank those who voted and campaigned for her.

She was accompanied by Sandalwood actors Darshan and Yash and her son Abhishek who had stood by her all through her campaign and victory. Producer ‘Rockline’ Venkatesh, Doddanna, Rajendra Singh Babu and Suneetha Puttannaiah of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), who had campaigned for her, also spoke on the occasion.

Striking an emotional chord, Sumalatha said that she wanted to come before the people of Mandya to make a promise before taking oath of office and secrecy in New Delhi. “I stand before you to promise that I will be with you and I will develop Mandya and will not put cold water on your aspirations and expectations. After 30 years I am celebrating Ambarish’s birthday without him and I have decided to celebrate his birthday in Mandya itself till my last breath,” she said.

She said her victory against Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil Kumaraswamy was for the “self-esteem” (Swabhimana) of the people of Mandya. The victory, she said, showed that Swabhimana had won over money power and set an example for the country.

In her 25-minute speech, Sumalatha said, “The fight for Mandya seat was widely observed across the country and voters from all sections of society, especially women, tirelessly strove for me, ensuring success.”

She acknowledged that members of the BJP, the Congress, and even ‘Swabhimaani’ JD(S) members had helped her. She said that voters did not pay any attention to the unethical political practices by her opponents and did not heed the ‘insulting’ remarks against her from some leaders. They gave a fitting reply to them, she said.

“Please stop spewing venom against me and my supporters. I request you, join hands with me or ask me to support you. I am ready to come to your house and meet you all. We must leave all of our past feuds and work together for overall development of Mandya district,” Sumalatha said. She assured the people of protecting their interest in the Cauvery water sharing dispute.

Emphasising the need for collective efforts to solve the Cauvery issue, she said: “I am ready to visit the residences of all the 8 (JD-S) MLAs in Mandya.”

“I am nothing without people and I will dedicate myself for the welfare of the people. There wasn’t a single black mark in Ambarish’s political career. He resigned from his Ministerial position when he was unable to resolve the Cauvery dispute. I will follow in his footsteps. People needn’t come in search of me. I will visit every taluk,” she said.

Recalling how her poll campaign was smeared with inflammatory statements made by JD(S) leaders, Sumalatha said neither she nor her fellow campaigners had lost their temper despite such remarks. “Did we make even a single defamatory statement against JD(S) leaders,” she asked. Their arrogance has not changed despite their debacle. “Instead of passing disparaging remarks against me and my supporters, they must rather join me for the development of the district,” she added.

Actor Darshan and Yash thanked people for their overwhelming support to Sumalatha.

Sumalatha requested people to encourage her son Abhishek as an actor just like they encouraged her husband.

Abhishek said Sumalatha’s victory was the greatest gift given by people of Mandya to Ambarish on his birthday. Darshan said that Ambarish’s birthday was Mandya’s birthday. He said that there was a need to make people aware of the funds being allocated to MLAs and MPs. “Sumalatha will be among people always,” Darshan added. Yash said Sumalatha won because of the barbs hurled at her by Opposition. “One must not comment negatively against a woman,” he said.