Sumalatha Ambareesh hints at giving outside support to NDA

Bengaluru: While not making any commitment to join the BJP, Mandya Independent MP elect Sumalatha Ambareesh, who trounced Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil in the Lok Sabha polls, hinted that she might give outside support to the BJP led NDA.

Speaking to reporters after calling on BJP State President Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa here on Sunday, Mrs Sumalatha said that she had come to thank the BJP chief as the party had provided her unconditional support during the elections. Answering a question, Mrs Sumalatha said that she cannot join a political party after getting elected as an independent. “I am not considering  joining the BJP now but may extend outside support to the NDA. As for the party I should join in the future, this is left to the people of Mandya who voted for me,” she added.

Sumalatha also met another senior party leader and former chief minister S.M. Krishna and thanked him for his support for her victory in Mandya. I have plans to go to every taluk in Mandya to thank voters during which I will consult my supporters and followers on what steps I have to take in the interests of Mandya. After taking their opinion, I will come to a decision on this (joining the party).”

Congratulating Sumalatha for her victory in Mandya, Yeddyurappa said she would take a decision on her association with the BJP after consulting her supporters. "She will let us know about her stand," he said in response to a question about inviting Sumalatha to the BJP.

In a huge embarrassment to Mr Kumaraswamy, his son Nikhil was defeated by Sumalatha by 1,25,876 votes in Mandya in a bitterly contested campaign. Sumalatha  (55) is the wife of actor-turned politician, the late M.H. Ambareesh.

She had initially sought a ticket from the Congress, the party her husband was in but it was denied citing coalition compulsions as the Congress had to cede the constituency to JD(S), as per the seat sharing arrangement.