Sumalatha, actor and wife of the late actor and former Union Minister M.H. Ambareesh, on Monday officially announced her decision to contest as an Independent candidate after weeks of speculation. She will take on son of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Nikhil, whose candidature as coalition candidate has been announced from Mandya.
Speaking at a press meet here, accompanied by several personalities of the film industry, including stars Yash and Darshan, Ms. Sumalatha said that she would file her nomination papers on Wednesday. Multilingual film-maker and general secretary of the Kannada Film Artists’ Association, Rockline Venkatesh, and veteran actor Doddanna, were also on stage.
Describing her contest as a “fight for the pride of Mandya”, she insisted that she was “not a Congress rebel.” She described herself as “an Independent candidate with the support of the people of Mandya”.
Describing her decision to plunge into politics, she said, “After my husband Ambareesh’s death, there were only two options before me. One was to lead a peaceful life with my son Abhishek and the other was the more difficult one, which would involve facing criticisms, embarrassment, and pain. But I found the second one to be the right one, considering the values cherished by Ambareesh.”
Speaking further, she said, “My decision might not be palatable to some and it might have a bearing on some relationships. But I want to clarify that the decision was not taken to hurt anybody. It is not about fighting against anybody. My poll fight is definitely for the people and pride of Mandya.”
To a query on dynastic politics, which was opposed by Ambareesh during his lifetime, the actor asserted: “Neither did Ambareesh try to promote family members, nor was he selfish. But he did not oppose the idea of his family members entering politics on their own strength.” Abhishek said that he is just “one film old” and not nurturing an ambition to enter politics.
When asked about the Congress, to which Ambareesh belonged, denying her ticket, Ms. Sumalatha said Congress was in a fix because of the coalition understanding and party leaders expressed their helplessness. “However, Congress workers, who were with Ambareesh, I hope, will support me,” she said.
On her approaching several BJP leaders, she said that she had approached them just as she had approached Congress leaders to seek their “blessings and support”. She said she had not approached JD(S) because none of the leaders attended the programme organised to pay tributes to Ambareesh. “Meeting BJP leaders was not to join the party,” she defended.
When asked about her confidence in taking on Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil, Ms. Sumalatha said she enjoyed the support of the people in the constituency cutting across party lines. To a query on which party she would support if she were to win, Ms. Sumalatha said she would at that point of time seek the opinion of the people of Mandya and take a call.
Actors to support her
Rockline Venkatesh, prominent producer and general secretary of the Kannada Film Artists’ Association, who spoke on behalf of the film fraternity, said regardless of political affiliation, there is one party in Kannada cinema that is “Ambareesh’s party”, and they were with Ms. Sumalatha.
Actors Yash and Darshan, who she described as her “other two sons”, sat beside Ms. Sumalatha. “We will complete the film in Mandya,” said Darshan, in true filmy style. Darshan also said he was prepared to campaign for Prajwal Revanna in Hassan if Nikhil Kumaraswamy asked him.
