Sumalatha Ambareesh to stay neutral in byelections

Bengaluru: Mandya Independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh has decided to remain neutral during the ongoing bypolls to 15 Assembly constituencies including KR Pete in Mandya.

She told Deccan Chronicle that “as an Independent member of the Lok Sabha, I have taken a decision not to support any political party or candidate in the bypolls which will take place on December 5. The people of poll-bound KR Pete are intelligent enough to take a wise decision. So, I am distancing myself from all the current bypolls,” she said.

Ms Sumalatha said the people of Mandya have elected her to function as their representative in the Lok Sabha which she has been doing since the last few months.

She said she had spoken on many issues concerning her constituency and the state as a whole. “I will be in Delhi till December 13 due to session of parliament.”

Speculation was rife in political circles that she would support the BJP since it had extended support to her during the recently held lok Sabha election by not fielding a candidate. Even PM Narendra Modi while addressing a public rally in Mysuru, had appealed to voters of Mandya to support her. This had boosted her prospects and BJP leaders and workers had worked for her during the election.

According to political observers, it is a good move by her not to identify with any political party since Mandya voters had voted for an independent candidate. Her decision has sent a clear message to all parties not to look forward to her support.