It’s official, Sumalatha on her own;Nikhil to face heat

It will be a direct fight between Independent candidate Sumalatha and JD(S)-Congress coalition candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy in the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, as the BJP is unlikely to announce its candidate.

The contest, between senior actors Sumalatha and Nikhil has created a lot of curiosity among the people in the district, known for patronage for star contestants.

As expected, Sumalatha Ambareesh, wife of the late actor-politician M H Ambareesh announced her decision of contesting as an Independent candidate in the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, at a press conference in Bengaluru. She will file her nomination papers on March 20 to contest the elections scheduled to be held on April 18.

Sumalatha, who seems to be determined to face the electoral battle, come what may, was busy of late, touring across the district, meeting the people and local leaders. She also visited temples and mutts, wherever she went, sending a strong message across to the coalition parties that she has taken her political entry seriously.

Sympathy wave

The fans of Ambareesh, who actually compelled her to contest the polls, have extended their whole-hearted support. She is riding on a sympathy wave, as she recently lost her husband Ambareesh.

Actors, directors and producers from the Sandalwood, the Kannada film industry, have extended their support to Sumalatha. Top stars like Darshan and Yash have assured to campaign in her favour. Mandya will again get an opportunity to see star campaigners, bringing back the lost charm. The people of Mandya district are known to support star candidates. Actors Ambareesh and Ramya were examples.

The recent statements of JD(S) leader H D Revanna, against Sumalatha entering politics within a couple of months of her husband’s death, drew flak from all quarters, including netizens. JD(S) leaders, including Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, had to apologise for Revanna’s statements.

Sumalatha was appreciated for tackling the issue well and not getting provoked. She did not issue any counter statement against them.

BJP, which is yet to announce its candidate, is said to support Sumalatha. However, the party leaders have not made any announcement in this regard.

Youngsters for Nikhil

Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the Congress-JD(S) coalition candidate, is young and enjoys the support of youths.

Mandya is a strong fort of the Janata Dal (Secular), and the party made a clean sweep in the district in the Assembly elections held in May 2018, winning all seven seats. With the same confidence, the party has announced Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, as the coalition candidate.

All seven MLAs, two of them ministers, and also minister of KR Nagar Assembly constituency Sa Ra Mahesh, are leaving no stone unturned to make him a winner. It has to be recalled that they had also taken the responsibility of sponsoring his recent film ‘Sita Rama Kalyana’. Nikhil has been touring the district, interacting with the youths and villagers, to ensure his victory.

The JD(S) is also making a list of stars and starlets to campaign for Nikhil, said sources.