South Indian actress Sumalatha said she has not confirmed her political entry, but will contest only from the Mandya constituency in Karnataka if need be. Ever since the death of her husband, actor-turned politician Ambareesh, there has been growing pressure from fans and Congress supporters that she contest from Mandya in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Speaking to media, she said she was thankful for the people's support and respect for her late husband. She said that she has not considered entering politics, but that she will need time to think about it. "Ambareesh was with the Congress and I am yet to talk to the leaders from the party. I don't know if I will contest the elections but if I do, I will contest from Mandya,” she said. She added that her husband had worked for the people of Mandya, and the family will continue to do so.
Meanwhile, there is an ongoing tussle for the Mandya seat between the Congress and coalition partner JD(S). With Congress hesitant to concede Mandya, JD(S) clarified it was not willing to let of Mandya which is one of their strongholds. According to reports, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy plans to launch his son Nikhil from Mandya.
A former Union minister, Ambareesh passed away due to cardiac arrest in November last year. Known as a "rebel star", Ambareesh had acted in over 200 films. He had been in the erstwhile Janata Dal, JDS and the Congress in his political career that took a hit when he was asked to resign as a minister during the previous Siddaramaiah government.
Ambareesh had served as the Union minister of state for information and broadcasting from 2006-2008, but had quit the post over the issue of the formation of the Cauvery water dispute tribunal.
