Public Works Minister H.D. Revanna’s remarks about actor and aspiring politician Sumalatha — questioning why she wanted to enter politics barely two months after her husband’s death — have left the Janata Dal (Secular) in an embarrassing spot and provided ammunition for the Opposition BJP.
While Ms. Sumalatha’s entry into the fray is expected to make the going tough for Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and nephew of Mr. Revanna, in Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, JD(S) leaders feel that such personal remarks might add to the “sympathy factor” in favour of the actor.
Ms. Sumalatha said such remarks only show a person’s culture and she would not let them deflect from her path.
Speaking in Delhi, Mr. Kumaraswamy was at pains to play down the controversy. He said he would urge leaders in Mandya not to make any personal attacks or petty statements against anyone. “Such talk is unnecessary now,” he said.
The remarks, made by one of the top leaders of the party, have irked many JD(S) leaders and workers, but they refused to react.
‘Will embarrass party’
However, when contacted, party State president A.H. Vishwanath said he was “surprised” when he learnt about the remarks made by Mr. Revanna who had learnt the nuances of politics from JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda.
He admitted that such remarks would embarrass the party. Another JD(S) leader, on condition of anonymity, said the new controversy does not auger well for the party cadre, especially considering the sensitivity of the time and the situation.
In the Congress, most top leaders stayed away from reacting to the remarks. Vice-president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee B.L. Shankar said Mr. Revanna’s remarks were “most uncharitable”.
He said the remarks could prove counter-productive. “The coalition partner should be extra careful and one should not indulge in personal attacks,” he said.
Seizing the opportunity, BJP leaders, including Shobha Karandlaje, Tejaswini Gowda, and Malavika Avinash criticised Mr. Revanna for his remarks and demanded his apology.
In Hubballi, senior BJP leader Jagadish Shettar said the Minister should have minded his language. He said Ms. Sumalatha’s decision to enter electoral fray from Mandya had created ripples in the JD(S) circles. “JD(S) leaders have resorted to such low-level politics owing to the fear of losing the election,” he said.
‘Will wait for Cong. ticket till last minute’
Ms. Sumalatha on Friday said she would “wait till the last minute” for the Congress ticket to contest the Lok Sabha election from Mandya.
“I’ll decide on my next political move only after the Congress officially announces the list of candidates. Anything can happen in politics,” said Ms Sumalatha, after offering puja at Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills here.
She urged the fans of Ambareesh not to resort to personal attacks on anybody over the issue.
Actor meets BJP leader, sets off speculation
Ms. Sumalatha, who has been extensively touring Mandya district to test her political fortune, met B. Shivalingaiah, a senior BJP leader, at his residence here late on Thursday, setting off speculation.
She is said to have sought Mr. Shivalingaiah’s support to face the electoral battle. Mr. Shivalingaiah, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, said, “We discussed the political developments regarding the upcoming elections.”
Meanwhile, according to sources close to Ms. Sumalatha, she has plans to meet disgruntled workers/leaders of all the three major parties and also Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha leaders to seek their support.
