Mandya Ambareesh backs out, Ravikumar is Cong candidate

Finally, the Congress ticket issue has been resolved as Ganiga P Ravikumar Gowda, is contesting as the official candidate from Mandya Assembly constituency. Ravikumar filed his nomination papers with the ‘B’ form issued by the party, here, on Tuesday.

MLA M H Ambareesh maintained suspense till the last moment despite getting the party ticket and announced his decision of not contesting due to health problems, at a press conference in Bengaluru.

As Tuesday was the last day to file the nominations, there was confusion in the political circles and the people, not only in Mandya but across the region, were awaiting Ambareesh’s decision.

Though the party had announced his name in the first list and had issued ‘B’ form, the ‘rebel star’ remained silent, giving rise to speculations that he may join the JD(S).

People were also curious to know whom he would favour in place of him. However, when there were no such indications from Ambareesh till 10 am on Tuesday, the party confirmed Ravikumar as its candidate. Ambareesh’s close confidante Amaravathi Chandrashekar was lobbying for the ticket, and he had hoped that Ambareesh would suggest his name.

The other aspirants for the Congress ticket were former minister M S Athmananda and ex-MLA H B Ramu. It is said that Energy Minister D K Shivakumar favoured Ravikumar.

Speaking to DH, Ravikumar said, “I am grateful to Ambareesh. I will convince him and bring him for canvassing. He has done a lot of development works in the constituency. I will take all the leaders and party workers into confidence and begin campaigning.”

He offered prayers at Kalikambha temple, took out a procession, accompanied by hundreds of supporters, and filed his nominations.

‘Mandyada gandu’

Ambareesh, who was active in the district politics since 1990s and is fondly called ‘Mandyada gandu’, will remain neutral during the elections, it is learnt.

As soon as Ravikumar’s name was announced, Ambareesh clearly said that he will not take part in the campaigning.