Sumalatha, actor and wife of the late actor-turned-politician M.H. Ambareesh, visited the Adichunchanagiri Mutt at Bellur in Mandya district on Sunday and held discussions with Nirmalanandanatha Swami.
Ms. Sumalatha has been unequivocal about contesting the Lok Sabha elections only from Mandya.
Speaking to presspersons in Nagamangala, Ms. Sumalatha said there was a great bond between Ambareesh and the people of Mandya.
Since the family is obliged to Ambareesh’s fans and Mandya residents, it was her duty to pay them back, she said.
Admitting that Ambareesh was against his family entering politics, she said: “The fans are forcing me to contest the elections from Mandya”.
However, she clarified that she would contest only if the opportunity arises.
Expressing her willingness to contest on a Congress ticket, Ms. Sumalatha said: “I don’t want to take any hasty decision. I will announce my stand [of entering the electoral politics] only after discussing with Ambareesh’s fans and senior political leaders in the district.”
She refused to comment on the controversial remarks of Janata Dal (Secular) MLC, K.T. Srikante Gowda, on her origin.
Mr. Gowda had recently said that Ms. Sumalatha was not “Mandya Vokkaliga” and that she hailed from Andhra Pradesh. His remarks had sparked widespread protests across the district.
Ms. Sumalatha said that her visit to the Mutt was to seek blessings of the seer for her son’s movie scheduled for release in February.
Ms. Sumalatha’s son Abhishek, actors Doddanna and Rockline Venkatesh were also present on the occasion.