Actor and aspiring politician Sumalatha, wife of the former Minister late M.H. Ambareesh, said here on Tuesday that she would not step back from the electoral battle in Mandya come what may.
Ms. Sumalatha, who has been touring the district for the past two weeks to enhance her support base and to garner support of Congress leaders, met Congress leader H.N. Ravindra and his supporters near the statue of Sir M. Visvesvaraya off Bengaluru–Mysuru highway.
Dr. Ravindra, former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) who had unsuccessfully contested election to the Legislative Council from South Graduates’ constituency as the Congress nominee in 2016, has been on a fast along with some likeminded party workers from Sunday opposing the candidature of Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, in Mandya.
The actor interacted with Dr. Ravindra and sought his support to emerge victorious in the election. He ended his fast after the interaction.
Later, speaking to presspersons, Ms. Sumalatha said, “I have made up my mind to contest the Lok Sabha election from Mandya. The only decision left is whether to face the poll battle as an Independent or as a political party nominee. I will announce my decision on March 18.”
She asked her fans not to give importance to the propaganda and online campaign against her launched by “some vested interests”.
Congress’ support
Meanwhile, although the Congress has announced that the Mandya seat will be given to its coalition partner, the Janata Dal (Secular), party workers continued to express solidarity with Ms. Sumalatha. While the block Congress leaders in Nagamangala and Srirangapatna have put up flex boards with messages wishing her good luck, some party workers accompanied her when she met Dr. Ravindra. According to reports, Ambareesh’s fans have put up nearly 50 flex boards across Nagamangala and Srirangapatna towns.
“So far I have not issued any notice or instruction to anyone for supporting Ms. Sumalatha,” C.D. Gangadhar, Mandya District Congress Committee president, told The Hindu .
