Will contest from Mandya only, a prestige issue for Amby fans'

Mysuru: Actress Sumalatha Ambareesh made it clear on Thursday that she would not contest from anywhere else other than Mandya, nor was she eyeing any post other than that of a MP.

While speaking the media in Mysuru, Ms Sumalatha was asked how she would respond if the BJP approached her and replied “so far they have not approached me, in case they do, I will speak to them to know what they have in mind and what kind of support they are offering. I still expect the Congress to give me Mandya ticket. If BJP offers me their ticket, I will seek the response of people and decide accordingly” she said.  Speaking on the response of people to her tour of Mandya, she said, “So far, the response has been very good. I have a strong feeling that people are with me . Fans of Ambareesh feel I am the right person to take forward his name.”

Asked about the response of Congress leaders in Mandya LS constituency, she said, “they are 100 percent backing me. It is a question of survival even for them. They wonder how they can seek votes for the JD(S) after fighting them for so long. It has become a matter of prestige for them.”  

Ms Sumalatha reacted to Minister D.C. Thammanna's statement that she had not given him a glass of water when he visited their house.  “No one need teach me hospitality or how to treat guests. I know who has become what using Ambareesh’s name,” she said.

“Ambareesh never engaged in family politics. He never misused his power or indulged in corruption. I will fulfill Ambareesh's dream of helping people.  People are my asset. People need to give a strong answer in the election,” she said.