Kannada actors Yash, Darshan to campaign
Bengaluru: Ending weeks of suspense over her candidature from the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, Sumalatha Ambarish said that she would contest as an independent candidate. “I am entering politics not to further my political ambitions but to continue the good work initiated by my late husband Ambarish who is loved by the people of Mandya,” she said.
Addressing a press conference at a private hotel in Bengaluru this morning, the veteran actor and wife of actor-turned politician late M.H. Ambarish, said that she will file her nomination papers on Mar. 20 at 10 am.
As if to indicate that the Kannada Film Industry (Sandalwood) is firmly rallying behind her, Sumalatha was accompanied by actors Darshan, Yash, Doddanna, producer Rockline Venkatesh and Sumalatha’s son Abhishek. With Sumalatha’s announcement today, it is clear that there will be a straight fight between her and Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy who is contesting as a JD(S) candidate.
“I have chosen this path that is full of thorns and I know that it is not easy as I have already faced a lot of insults. I am indebted to the people of Mandya for standing by me like a rock along with actors Yash, Darshan, Doddanna and Rockline Venkatesh,” she said, in an emotional tone.
“I am not a politician. Yash and Darshan are like my sons and they will campaign for me. People of Mandya loved Ambarish and he (Ambarish) too loved them. I don’t want to lose the connection and I want to continue Ambarish’s legacy and even people of Mandya have given me the responsibility of continuing Ambarish’s work,” she said.
The entry of Sumalatha has upset the alliance calculations in a seat where the Congress and the JD(S) both enjoy equal influence and had been considered a cakewalk for Nikhil Kumaraswamy. The Congress has already asked party workers to steer clear of Sumalatha’s campaign and work for the coalition candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy.
The BJP is yet to take a call on whether the party will field a candidate in Mandya or back Sumalatha. Sources said that considering that Sumalatha is garnering support from workers of both Congress and JD(S) and as such, she is confident of victory.
Even before she announced that she will contest as an independent candidate, Sumalatha has been touring the Constituency and has covered 35 Wards in Mandya City Municipal Council. Mandya city almost accounts for 50% of votes in the constituency.
She has been holding road shows to take on the Gowda family and has also been meeting BJP leaders and disgruntled Congress leaders.
My only question for Nikhil or Sumalatha. Kaveri dispute is very complicated, this year State might experience drought and there will be drama from farmers of both states. There will be bundhs, road blocks along Mysore Bangalore Highway, KRS dam seize, and many more such things. How do these inexperienced candidates deal. Only living person who can handle these things is Madegowda and he is old. Mandya people are very obsessed with film personalities(Ambarish, Ramya, now Nikhil and Sumalatha) over the real issues. Hope that foreign returned Raitha Sangha guy would also contest.
Politics is a playground of the rich and famous.
Is there any report card of the achievement’s of Ex. Minister Ambareesh.
Sumalatha should do social work , rather than enter politics.
Ambareesh himself had lost his charm by last assembly elections.
Everyone knows that Ambarish got the best departure from this world, more than he deserved for. Even Rajkumar dint get this much.
Sumalatha should have been more realistic and start from MLA/MLC rather than jump into MP elections directly. Congress leaders who had stirred her initially are no where to be seen around here in last few days.
Darshan had no impact when he worked for Siddaramiah’s election.
I agree with some of the comments made by others here though it may also be the best opportunity for Mrs Sumalatha Ambareesh to win a election. A sympathy wave since he passed away , he was liked by the people of Mandya and both Nikhil and Sumalatha are novices to politics yet share some background connections with respective families involved in the past or at present in politics. Sumalatha is willing to contest as a independent candidate despite the challenges she is facing from both JD(S) and Congress. She could change perception that you have to belong to a party and she may be able to represent women’s needs and project a better image and she has remained positive despite harsh criticism from detractors and those with vested interests in mandya politics. We could take the example of Mrs Jaya Bachan who has represented UP many times even though she is a rajya sabha MP. I think we should give Sumalatha a chance she deserves that and hope she wins the election with support of people of Mandya. Good luck and god bless Sumalatha and a mighty win in the Lok Sabha elections 2019
@Rao
“Don’t speak ill of the dead!”