Sumalatha using our symbol, Cong tells EC in plaint

The Congress has approached the Election Commission with a complaint that independent candidate Sumalatha’s supporters were making use of the party’s symbol during her election campaign in the high-profile Mandya Lok Sabha seat.

Sumalatha, wife of the late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh, is up against Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil, also an actor, in what has been billed as one of the hottest poll battles in Karnataka.

Ambareesh was a Congress leader who commanded a huge following in Mandya, which he represented thrice in the past. His wife Sumalatha, also an actor, was denied the Congress ticket as the Mandya seat had been ceded to the JD(S) as part of a pre-poll alliance. This led to her contesting as an independent. The BJP has extended its support to her by not fielding a candidate.

“We’ve said clearly that the Congress symbol should not be seen with the independent candidate. We’ve brought this to the notice of the Election Commission seeking action,” Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters.

“How can an independent candidate use our symbol? She’s supported by the BJP. It’s natural for BJP flags to be waved, but there’s no way our flag can be waved with theirs,” Rao said.

When it was pointed out that it was Congress workers who were using the party’s flag during her campaign, Rao said: “Let them quit the party and work for whomever they want. Being in the party, we will not tolerate such activities. Leaders and workers will have to face the consequences.”

The Congress is struggling to contain dissidence, with a section of leaders working toward Sumalatha’s victory. This has irked JD(S) leaders, especially Kumaraswamy who wants to ensure a successful electoral debut for his son.

Sandalwood stars Yash and Darshan have thrown their weight behind Sumalatha. The duo has been campaigning in Mandya seeking votes for Sumalatha.