BENGALURU: With Mandya Lok Sabha member Sumalatha Ambareesh meeting BJP high command leaders in the national capital and calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday triggered speculation as to whether she will support a BJP-JDS alliance candidate even if JDS state president HD Kumaraswamy chooses to contest from Mandya.
“Her staunch supporter Sachidananda met Kumaraswamy on her behalf. Kumaraswamy too has stated earlier that he will not hesitate to meet her,” a JDS leader said.
Her meeting BJP national president JP Nadda and national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh on Thursday gave enough indication that the BJP high command would give her a post in the government or ask her to contest from another Lok Sabha constituency, sources said.
On Sumalatha meeting Modi, BJP state president Vijayendra said in New Delhi that no discussion regarding the Mandya seat took place. “(Union Home Minister) Amit Shah is coming to Mysuru on Saturday night. The BJP core committee meeting is scheduled for Sunday and all issues will be discussed there,” he said.
JDS has already started campaigning in Mandya with Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil visiting Maddur on Friday. “Nikhil is unlikely to contest, but Kumaraswamy might if Shah insists that he should join the Modi cabinet,” a JDS leader said.
“Heartfelt thanks to our hon’ble @pmoindia Shri Narendra Modi ji for taking out time amidst your hectic schedule to discuss important issues regarding the constituency of Mandya and my people. I am also thankful for your gracious words of encouragement & your most invaluable insights, which you have always imparted with utmost humility & respect,” Sumalatha posted on her ‘X’ account, tagging a picture with the PM.
“As the last sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha are coming to an end , I look back in pride at my journey and It was indeed a privilege to have served as a Member of Parliament during your tenure, And I will take your parting words, “We will continue to work together’,” she posted.