Don’t field candidate, support Sumalatha in Mandya LS: SM Krishna to BS Yeddyurappa

Bengaluru: State BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa met former external affairs minister, S.M. Krishna at his  home on Saturday to  discuss the party's strategy for Mandya this Lok Sabha poll and was reportedly advised against fielding a candidate for the constituency and instead support Ms Sumalatha Ambarish, wife of the late actor/politician, M H Ambarish,  who may contest as an independent.  

All eyes are on Mandya this poll as Chief Minister, H.D.Kumaraswamy is hoping to launch his son, Nikhil, into politics from it.   Responding to Mr Krishna's advice, Mr. Yeddyurappa is said to have assured him that he would  take a decision in the matter after discussing it with the party's central leadership.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the veteran leader, who joined the BJP a few years ago after spending decades with the Congress, Mr Yeddyurappa said he had agreed to campaign for the party's candidates in Bengaluru North, Central, South and Rural, Hassan, Kolar, Tumakuru, Chikkaballapura, Shivamogga, and Udupi- Chikamagaluru.

"We discussed the present political situation in the state, including Mandya and the probable candidates for the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies.  Mr. Krishna has given valuable suggestions, which  will help us design our campaign strategies," he said, adding that the party would take a decision on Mandya once Ms Sumalatha Ambarish announced her plans.

Taking on Mr Kumaraswamy for his criticism of Mr  Krishna, he said as a Chief Minister he expected better from him. "It is not right to make such remarks about tall leaders like Mr. Krishna," he admonished.

 Mr. Krishna, who was also present,  said he was confident the BJP would win 22 Lok Sabha seats from Karnataka this poll.