Mandya: Is the Mandya independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh all set to join the BJP? The speculation has remained thick in the constituency for a week. The MP Sumalatha (58) won as an independent candidate from the Mandya constituency in the 2019 Loksabha election by defeating former Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil Kumaraswamy with a margin of over 1.25 lakh votes.
In the election, BJP did not field its candidate to support Sumalatha which ensured a straight fight between Sumalatha and JD (S) candidate Nikhil. Sumalathas’ spouse Ambareesh a native of Mandya, has thousands of fans in the district.
Ambareesh also represented Mandya thrice, twice as JD (S) member (1996-99, 1999-2004) and then as a Congress member (2004-2009). He was also a Minister in the UPA-1 government from October 2006 to February 2007. After his demise, Sumalatha decided to contest from Mandya for Loksabha which she succeeded amid a stiff fight with JD (S) candidate Nikhil Even former Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy and five coalition government ministers campaigned in support of Nikhil. However, Sumalatha won with a huge margin.
Though Sumalatha did not hint to join BJP, her meetings and rapport with BJP leaders fuelled speculations. The Mandya MP met Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai during a marriage on Monday April 2 and rumours are thick that the MP will join BJP next month.
The first time MPs decision is to ensure a good future for son Abhishek Ambareesh. Abhishek who took an active part during the last Lok Sabha election is keen to contest in the next Assembly election.
Earlier, Sumalatha told reporters that she will discuss with the people of the constituency and take their opinion before joining BJP. Recently, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Chief D. K. Shivakumar told reporters that former Chief Minister S. M. Krishna’s brother S. M. Shankars son Guru Charan will be a candidate for the Maddur Assembly constituency. Interestingly, Abhishek keens to contest from Maddur from BJP ticket. The ticket aspirants of all the three parties are visiting constituencies. Sources said that the wake of increased political activities by aspirants prompted Sumalatha to make a decision soon to avoid last hour commotion and resentment from BJP workers if any.
