Hope Congress will pick me for Mandya: Sumalatha Ambareesh

Mysuru: Sumalatha Ambareesh, widow of the late actor/politician, revealed on Thursday that she had brought “the Mandya people’s affection for her family” to the attention of former CM Siddaramaiah and was hopeful the Congress would field her from the constituency this Lok Sabha poll.

Ms Sumalatha, who  visited the temple of Kalabyraveswara Swamy,  the family deity of her late husband, M.H. Ambareesh, in Chikkarasinakere,  with her son, contended in a chat with reporters later, “I have not come to Mandya to enter politics, but am entering politics to come to Mandya. It is to repay the people of Mandya for all the love we have got here and nowhere else.”

She added,  "I have brought the people's wishes to Mr Siddaramaiah's attention. I am hopeful the Congress party will give me the ticket"

Ms Sumalatha, who appears to be open to contesting on a JD(S) ticket as well from Mandya, however, said she hadn't got any offer from the party as yet.  “There has been pressure to contest from elsewhere too. I have been advised not to stick to Mandya alone. I will think carefully before taking any step. Whatever I decide, I will do it in consultation with the people of Mandya.  I will visit the homes of senior leaders in the district for their advice,” she added.

On actor/producer, Darshan refusing to comment on her entering politics, she said, “No matter what, he is a son of our house. Even if I had been in his place, I would have said this too.”