I want to continue Ambi's legacy: Sumalatha

Sumalatha Ambareesh, who filed her nomination papers as an Independent candidate from Mandya Lok Sabha segment on Wednesday, said she decided to contest the election to continue her husband’s legacy and not out of greed. “I have a big challenge before me. But it is not impossible to win, given the support of the people,” she said.

Sumalatha was addressing a gathering at a convention here. “If I had greed, I would have joined either Congress or some other party,” she said.

Recalling Ambareesh’s words, she said, Mandya people were innocent, but not fools. "The people know about Ambareesh’s contributions. The strength of his contributions should be proved now," she added.

Sumalatha said she approached the Congress leaders seeking ticket. "But the leaders expressed their helplessness and assured of making me MLC. They told me to contest from either Bengaluru North or Bengaluru South. I want to be in Mandya. The love of the people made me to contest from here. I am the daughter-in-law of Dr Hucchegowda and daughter of Mandya soil,” she asserted.

Expressing displeasure over the comments against her by detractors, mostly JD(S) leaders, she said she will not issue any statement against the opposition leaders as it the the people of Mandya who have to give them a reply. “I entered politics not to challenge anyone, but to serve the people of Mandya,” she said.

"Ambareesh had a desire to provide housing facility to lakhs of people and to develop Mandya. But, he could not fulfil his desire," Sumalatha said.

She said Ambareesh was a little depressed when he was removed as housing minister. “Ambareesh never demanded ticket. But when the Congress party leaders sent the 'B form' to our house, he refused to contest. Ambareesh never demanded anything from anyone,” she said.