Will contest from Mandya seat as independent candidate, says Sumalatha Ambareesh

Bengaluru: Putting all speculation to rest, actress Sumalatha Ambareesh, widow of former minister  M.H. Ambareesh, said she will contest as an independent candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha election to be held on April 18.

With this, Mandya is all set to witness a high-voltage poll battle between her and Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is fighting on the JD(S) ticket. The BJP, which has not yet declared its candidate for the seat, is likely to back Sumalatha though there is no official confirmation yet.

The actress will file her nomination papers on March 20 and also hold a public meeting in the city in the presence of friends, well-wishers and fans of the late actor.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, Sumalatha flanked by two popular Kannada actors Darshan and Yash, said she was not bothered about victory of defeat but only wanted to give back to the people of Mandya for all the love and affection showered on her late husband who was attached to the district for over three decades. "I was offered a ticket to contest from Bengaluru North or Bengaluru South and also a membership in the state Legislative Council. But I did not care for it as my one and only wish is to protect and preserve the love people had for Ambareesh. I do not have any personal enmity with anyone, I am entering politics only to fulfill the promises of my husband.”

She also claimed that huge money and high positions in politics were offered to her if she agreed to withdraw from the fray but she did not succumb to any of them as her only aim was to do something good for the people of Mandya. " I do not have a political background and I was never interested in entering politics. I never thought about it when my husband was an MP, MLA and minister but unexpected incidents in our family forced me to enter politics. I am optimistic that the people of Mandya will support me. I don't have money or power to fight the election, my biggest asset is the love and affection earned by Ambareesh from the day he entered politics till the day of his death. I am aware that the electorate of Mandya is known for self-respect and will not sell their votes for money".

Reacting to her critics who had wondered where she was when hundreds of farmers had committed suicide in Mandya owing to failure of crops, Sumalatha recalled that her husband was Union minister when the dispute arose between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the release of Cauvery water, and he had tendered his resignation without thinking twice. Ambareesh could have remained in power by playing political games but he did not do it. “My family has always responded to the problems of farmers and those who came to our house seeking help have never gone back empty handed. My husband has done whatever was possible within his limits. I would like to know if any minister in the history of Karnataka sacrificed his post when farmers faced distress,”

“Our family has never practised dynastic politics. I will always tread the path shown by my late husband and leave everything to the almighty. I have already visited several constituencies and people have been telling me to contest to fulfil the dreams of Ambi Anna," she said.

On support from Kannada film stars, Ms Sumalatha said they had always stood behind her whenever she faced problems. Film personalities Rockline Venkatesh, Doddanna,  Yash and  Darshan Togudeepa had supported her from the day she decided to contest from Mandya.

“I knew who my opponent is. Mr Nikhil is son of CM Kumaraswamy and he is backed by eight JD(S) legislators, three MLCs and three ministers. It is not easy to face all of them. On my side, I have friends, well-wishers and fans of Ambareesh who have promised all  support to me. I have also sought the co-operation of leaders of the Congress, BJP and other parties..”