Independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh announces decision to join BJP

Sumalatha had won the 2019 general elections with the support of BJP defeating Kumaraswamys son Nikhil.JDS headed by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda joined the NDA in September last year.As part of the seat-sharing arrangement, the BJP would now contest in 25 constituencies and the JDS in the remaining three, including Mandya in the state.She said though she was an independent MP, the BJP government at the Centre gave grants to Mandya Lok Sabha constituency to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore.

Mandya's independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh on Wednesday announced that she would join the BJP, thereby extending her support to the NDA candidate and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections here.

Addressing her supporters here, the 60-year-old actor-turned-politician said, ''I will not leave Mandya and you will see me working for you in the coming days. I have decided to join the BJP.'' She added that she will not contest the elections. Sumalatha had won the 2019 general elections with the support of BJP defeating Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil.

JD(S) headed by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda joined the NDA in September last year.

As part of the seat-sharing arrangement, the BJP would now contest in 25 constituencies and the JDS in the remaining three, including Mandya in the state.

She said though she was an independent MP, the BJP government at the Centre gave grants to Mandya Lok Sabha constituency to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore. Sumalatha praised BJP leaders for always taking her into confidence before taking any decision pertaining to the district.

''When the Prime Minister told me that the BJP needs me and requested me not to leave the party, I have to honour him,'' she said.

Sumalatha said the BJP leaders offered her to contest from elsewhere but she rejected it saying that she will stick to Mandya for being the 'daughter-in-law' of the district.

She noted that some of her supporters also wanted her to join Congress.

''But a senior Congress leader said the party never felt the need of Sumalatha in the party -- neither earlier nor now or in future. How can a person with self-esteem ever wish to go to Congress after listening to these words?'' the MP asked.

In her emotionally-charged speech, Sumalatha explained her commitment towards Mandya as her husband late Ambareesh belonged to this district, and listed her works in the last five years.

According to the MP, Lok Sabha election is not a child's play and being a woman contesting as an independent MP was even more challenging. ''However, you showered your blessings in 2019 and made me the independent MP.'' Later, briefing media, she said she declined to contest the election as she did not want to be adamant. "I want the BJP to grow in Mandya.'' On campaigning for Kumaraswamy, Sumalatha said: "Once I join the BJP, only then can I reveal my stand from the party's point of view.'' Kumaraswamy welcomed her decision and expressed his gratitude to her.

Asked whether he would invite Sumalatha for his poll campaign, Kumaraswamy replied in the affirmative.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)