Not worried about namesakes: Sumalatha

Sumalatha Ambareesh, who is contesting as an Independent candidate from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, visited Dharmasthala and obtained darshan of the presiding deity on Monday.

She later told reporters that the voters will teach a lesson to those who were engaged in spreading false propaganda against her. “I need not respond to such propaganda,” she stressed.

Speaking on her namesake candidates, Sumalatha recollected a similar situation that had been created when Puttanayya had contested in the past. “I am not a stranger to such manipulations. The people of the state will identify me and exercise their franchise,” she said confidently.

She added that she would continue her fight against the Mandya deputy commissioner legally.

Actor Darshan was campaigning on her behalf in Srirangapatna. “Actor Yash too will begin campaigning on Tuesday. I am also engaging in campaigning,” she informed.

“I visited Dharmasthala two years ago. Just as Ambareesh had respect for Dharmasthala, I too have come here with devotion. I even offered a special puja at the temple,” she said.

Sumalatha later met Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, and sought his blessings.

She was accompanied by actor – producer Rockline Venkatesh and actor Doddanna.