Sumalatha supporters give EVM demo to avoid confusion

Srirangapatna (Mandya): Supporters of A Sumalatha, contesting Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate in Mandya, on Thursday educated voters in the assembly segment of Srirangapatna holding demo EVM machines in almost every booth.
There were three other women candidates in the fray by her name. So as to clear confusion among voters her supporters didn’t leave any stone unturned as they struggled to educate voters. They were seen shouting the serial number - 20. At Arakere village, her supporters were seen giving a demonstration to voters near the polling booths holding model EVMs.

Since there were 22 candidates in Mandya, two EVMs were used. Sumalatha’s serial number was 20 and her name is figured in the second voting machine. Three other Sumalathas – one was first and two others next to her. Her supporters weren’t seen disheartened and did all that they can to educate the rural voters.

Villagers, farmer leaders and gram panchayat members in Srirangapatna assembly segment of Mandya Lok Sabha constituency were all agog with enthusiasm on Thursday as they campaigned for the daughter-in-law of Mandya.

Voters, too, expressed that their support is for the man from their land and not for anyone. At Srirangapatna, both camps – JD(S) and Sumalatha’s, were at loggerheads as they exchanged heated arguments over the issue of localite. Supporters of Sumalatha argued it is a prestige issue and Sumalatha belongs to Mandya, while JD(S) argued about strengthening CM’s hand by supporting Nikhil.

At Srinivasa Agrahara and Chinnanayakanahalli, many voters were diehard fans Ambareesh and they exuded confidence that Sumalatha would romp home easily because of Ambareesh factor. Electorates at Arakere, the biggest hobli and village in Srirangapatna, claimed their village is crucial in both assembly and parliamentary elections as it has close to 20,000 votes. Majority voters have favoured Sumalatha and claim they would give a maximum lead of 25,000 in this election.