I want Congress ticket, not MLC post, says Sumalatha

Sumalatha, wife of the late actor-politician Ambareesh, on Monday, said that she would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Mandya and that she was neither interested in becoming MLC nor in other posts.

Addressing media persons, here, Sumalatha said, “I rejected an offer for the MLC post, eight months ago. A few Congress leaders are trying to convince me to back out by offering other posts. I do not want any post, but only Congress ticket to contest the Lok Sabha polls. There is no question of going back on my decision. I would seek an opinion from the people on contesting as an Independent. I will announce my decision once the Congress party clarifies its stand."

Election, not a war

Replying to a query, Sumalatha said, "Election is not a war, but a contest. Victory and defeat are common. I am not worried about the person/s contesting against me. I have no aspirations in politics. I have taken the decision to enter politics, yielding to the affection of the people. Ambareesh is no more, but his fans are with me,” she said.

“It is true that Ambareesh did not want to bring his family members to politics. He was keen on promoting others. I couldn't help but give in to the affection of the people. Ambareesh’s blessings would be always be with me," she said.

Sumalatha refused to react to the allegations by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. She, however, added, "The people of the district know about the contributions of the publicity-shy Ambareesh. Even when he was not well, he used to get the work done by making phone calls, she said.

Sumalatha keeps promise

As promised, Sumalatha transferred 20 guntas of land, through gift deed, to Kalavathi, wife of Pulwama martyr H Guru, a native of Gudigere in Maddur taluk. The document would be registered in the name of Kalavathi soon, she added.