Mandya: Sumalatha, the wife of late actor-politician Ambareesh, has been a big headache for the JD(S). Ever since she threw her hat into the ring, the JD(S) has had some sleepless nights. In fact, this is one of the reasons why the JD(S) decided to field chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Mandya, Karnataka.

On her part, Sumalatha has been actively going around in the region, meeting people and discussing various issues with them. Whether she will be contesting the Mandya Lok Sabha poll independently or on a BJP ticket still falls under the realm of speculation. For now, the speculation will only continue as Sumalatha says she will announce her decision by March 18.

Sources say that the Congress did pressure her into contesting from any other place, apart from Mandya. But as of now, Sumalatha has refused to budge. However, one thing is certain and that is the Congress will not be giving her a ticket as Mandya is a stronghold of the JD(S) and the sitting MP is also from the JD(S).

And who are the ones who will stridently back Sumalatha? Well, in her own words, it is Sandalwood actor Darshan.  She says, ”Darshan is like my son. In fact, he addresses me as Mother India.  He is ready to help me out in whatever way possible.”

On the other hand, dissidence is brewing within the Congress. As Sumalatha is sojourning Mandya, she has got a rousing welcome from none other than the Congress party members themselves. Supporters of N Cheluvarayaswamy, a prominent Congressman, were seen accompanying Sumalatha.

Though Mandya is a bastion of the JD(S), many local leaders from the region are backing Sumalatha as they feel Nikhil doesn’t have the charisma to impress voters in the region.

On her part, Sumalatha has appealed to the citizens not to pay any heed to rumours and wait till she comes back with a formal decision (on any issue) before the March 18.