Belthangady: Mandya Lok Sabha independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh visited Shree Dharmasthala Temple, here on Monday, April 1.
She arrived here at the temple guest house at around 5 AM along with film producer Rockline Venkatesh and Sandalwood actor Doddanna and visited the sanctum at 10.30 AM. She offered special pujas here.
After visiting the sanctum, Sumalatha met Dharmadhikari Dr. D Veerendra Heggade and sought his blessings.
She had a conversation with Veerendra Heggade’s brother Harshendra Kumar.
While returning from the temple, she spoke to media and said, “I and my husband Late Ambareesh had visited the temple two years ago. Today’s visit is not politically motivated. I have come here to pray as I am contesting from the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency.”
“People who have spoken ill about me and are spreading fake propaganda, will get a befitting response from the people during the elections and I will not comment on it.
Criticising the comments by Janata Dal (S) MP Shivarame Gowda on Ambareesh, she said, “I have not been taught the culture of stooping low. As only 16 days are left, they will be getting all the answers.”
Reacting to the questions on three candidates with the name Sumalatha contesting the election, she said, “Earlier, it had also happened with farmers’ leader and former MLA from Melukote Late K S Puttanaiah. There were candidates with the same name as his. He had won because people knew him. Similarly, people also recognise me and for their reference, there will also be a photograph placed beside the name on the EVM machine. They will recognise and vote for me. They will help me emerge victorious.”
Speaking about her allegation of Mandya Deputy Commissioner favouring coalition candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, she said, “I will fight her under the constitutional framework.”
‘Will begin campaigning from tomorrow’
Sumalatha said, “Sandalwood actor Darshan has already begun campaigning from Srirangapatna today and tomorrow, i.e., on Tuesday, April 2, Sandalwood actor Yash will begin campaigning. I will be joining him along with my supporters and will do an extensive campaign.”
