Mandya's self-esteem mantra may work for Sumalatha

The traditional rivalry between the JD(S) and the Congress in Mandya district continued as a host of Congress leaders extended their support to Independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh.

The leaders claim that it is inevitable to support Sumalatha to protect the self-esteem of Mandya and to prove that the people of Mandya will never allow others to take over them.

Congress party leaders, including, Sachidananda Induvalu, Doddaiah, Nagamangala women wing Congress president Yashoda, Shivananju, Ramakrishnegowda, shared the stage with Sumalatha, during her campaign meeting at Silver Jubilee Park here on Wednesday.

JD(S)-Congress coalition partners have decided to field Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy as JD(S)-Congress coalition candidate from Mandya Lok Sabha segment. But, a host of Congress leaders have been opposing Nikhil’s candidature, alleging that the JD(S) is indulging in ‘family politics’. They accused the JD(S) leaders of trying to take Mandya into their control.

District’s self-esteem

Sachidananda Indavalu, who delivered the keynote address, said, “Today, we have to support Sumalatha to protect our district’s self-esteem. The Congress joined the hands with JD(S) despite opposition from local Congress workers. The JD(S) is trying to overpower Mandya. We will not allow people from outside to rule us. This is the question of our self-respect.”

Sachidananda alleged that a few leaders tried to convince Sumalatha not to contest and also tried to lure her with offers.

Pointing out that MLA Narayanagowda threatened film actors with I-T raids, Sachidananda said, if the leaders are threatening celebrities, what will be the fate of common people? It is a fact that a host of Kannada film actors are extending support to Sumalatha.

Yashoda said, Ambareesh has made significant contributions for the development of Mandya. “JD(S) leaders are targeting Sumalatha with loose comments. They are disrespecting women. We should safeguard our self-respect and dignity,” she said.

Ramakrishnegowda said, “Now, if we give up Mandya, we will never get it back. This is not either Ramanagara or Channapatna. The people will teach them a lesson. The fight is between self-respect and money-politics.”

Several people, irrespective of their political party affiliation, extended their support to Sumalatha. A few Congress workers, holding the party flags, moved along the procession from the Deputy Commissioner office to the Silver Jubilee Park.

Mandya & Hassan

Extending his support to Sumalatha, brother of the late Ambareesh, Amar said, Lok Sabha elections in Mandya is an election between Mandya and Hassan. “The people of Mandya proved that they are with Ambareesh, when he was defeated in Ramanagara in 1998 elections. When Ambareesh was defeated, the people brought him to Mandya and ensured his victory in the next election. This time too, the people will support Sumalatha,” he said.

Cable TV; power cut

The supporters of Sumalatha alleged that the JD(S)-Congress leaders feared a defeat in Mandya. The leaders are misusing their powers.

They blocked cable TV network and effected power cut in the district, in a bid to avoid airing of the the news of Sumalatha’s nomination filing, they said.