With the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency occupying the centre stage in Karnataka politics because of indications by both the coalition partners — the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) — that they are keen on contesting from the seat, all eyes are on veteran actor Sumalatha, wife of actor-politician late M.H. Ambareesh.
Ms. Sumalatha is weighing in all options and waiting for a clarity between the coalition partners. In unequivocal terms, she said, “There is no question of contesting from any other constituency except Mandya because of the bonding my family has with the people the district”. Excerpts from an interview.
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Taking a decision on entering politics at this juncture is a difficult task. The political picture is hazy. I don’t know whether or not the Congress and the JD(S) will put up a combined fight in Mandya. If it were to be a straight fight, I would have decided to contest and take on the responsibility. Taking a decision in a conflicting situation is not that easy. I will base my decision after weighing in the situation, as it will be a big step in my life.
In case of the Congress and the JD(S) not reaching a consensus, are you ready to contest as an Independent?
I am not a professional politician. But, I understand that contesting as an Independent in the present political situation is not prudent. Even the BJP and people of Mandya have offered support if I decide to contest as an Independent. But, I haven’t applied my mind on contesting as an Independent so far.
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What really made you think of contesting from Mandya?
The way people of Mandya reached out to me really touched my heart deeply. It is beyond politics and cinema. Basically, it is an emotional connect. So whether in politics or not that bond will be there with the people of Mandya who had reposed faith in Ambareesh and his family without any expectations. When I looked into their eyes, I could not say ‘no’ to them. I want to clarify that it is not a political decision. People are arguing that they supported Ambareesh all these years and are expecting me to reciprocate their gesture by contesting from Mandya. That is why if I decide to take a political plunge, it will be only from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency and not from anywhere else.
Has the Congress, which is staking its claim for Mandya seat, approached you to contest from the constituency?
No, none has contacted me. Congress leaders have not spoken to me as they are in a dilemma because of the alliance with the JD(S). However, a senior leader sought my opinion on contesting from Bengaluru North Lok Sabha constituency. I told him in no uncertain terms that I am not here just to get into politics. If I want to enter politics, it will be only from Mandya. Otherwise, I will be totally away from politics as it is not my ambition at all. If politics had been my ambition, I would have been somewhere else by this time.
It is learnt that you have been offered an MLC seat just to keep you away from Mandya constituency. Is it true?
Yes, there were feelers on making me an MLC. I have told those who sent such feelers that I don’t have the ambition to become either an MLC or an MLA. I don’t think of representing any constituency other than Mandya, as Ambareesh had represented it. If the alliance partners reach a consensus on my candidature from Mandya, I will contest from the land of Ambareesh. Otherwise, I am happy with what I am.