Bengaluru: Amid raging speculations on whether the Congress will field Sumalatha, wife of late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh, from the Mandya constituency, Karantaka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy clarified on Friday that JD(S) will not let go of the seat that is one of its party bastions.
Kumaraswamy made it clear that JD(S) will not cede Hassan and Mandya Lok Sabha seats to its coalition partner Congress. He said that Mandya was JD(S) stronghold and he cannot go against the feelings of the people and workers, while elder brother and PWD Minister H D Revanna said JD(S) was even ready for a triangular contest in Hassan.
Both Hassan and Mandya, where the BJP's strength is negligible, are currently held by JD(S), which Congress too is eyeing this time.
Talking about the candidacy of Sumalatha, Kumaraswamy said, "She can contest, no issues. Can you stop anyone from contesting an election in this country? Everyone one has the opportunity.
Maintaining that Mandya was JD(S) stronghold and people have nurtured the party there."
"Just because someone is contesting, can I go against the feeling of our people? We will decide on it when the time comes....I cannot go against the feeling of my party workers."
Some within the congress feel that that JD(S) will finally concede the seat for Sumalatha, as both Gowda and Ambareesh family share good bonding, party sources said.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after meeting a large group of Ambareesh supporters, who had gathered to request her to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Mandya, Sumalatha said she needed time to decide about entering politics.
"I dont want to lose this bonding that Ambareesh shared with the people of Mandya. I need to think about it because this is not a small decision to take at haste. I also have to discuss with Congress leaders.
"I had no interest in politics earlier, but if I decide to enter politics, it will only be from Mandya," she said, adding that Ambareesh was associated with the Congress and the family too believed that "the party is theirs."
Ambareesh had represented Mandya, both in Assembly and Parliament from Congress. He had also served as a Minister in both the state and central government.
