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HomePoliticsIndependent Karnataka MP Sumalatha to back Modi govt, could get ministerial berth

Independent Karnataka MP Sumalatha to back Modi govt, could get ministerial berth

Sumalatha Ambareesh, who defeated former PM H.D. Deve Gowda’s grandson and Karnataka CM H.D. Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil, was backed by the BJP in Mandya.

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Bengaluru: After her historic win over Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil in Mandya, actor-turned-politician Sumalatha Ambareesh is all set to support the Narendra Modi government at the centre as an Independent MP.

Sources in the BJP said she might even be given a ministerial berth as part of the party’s strategy for growth in Karnataka.

Sumalatha, wife of late Congress MP and actor Ambareesh, who was backed by the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, told ThePrint that she will do “whatever it takes” for the development of her constituency Mandya.

On her electoral debut, Sumalatha defeated Janata Dal (Secular) candidate Nikhil, the grandson of former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, by over one lakh votes, also making history by becoming the first Independent MP to win from Karnataka in 52 years.


Also readAfter BJP win in Karnataka, fall of Kumaraswamy govt is just a matter of time


Meets Krishna and Yeddyurappa

Sumalatha met senior leader S.M. Krishna, who recently switched to the BJP after decades in the Congress fold, and BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa Sunday, in what she called “a thanksgiving visit”. The BJP leaders were also accompanied by other senior leaders R. Ashoka and Govind Karjol.

The meet has further fuelled speculation that Sumalatha would soon join the BJP. However, responding to the speculation, she told ThePrint: “Let me clarify that as an Independent MP, there are no provisions to join any political party. I will go back to the people of Mandya and ask them for their advice, and do what is best for them.”

Yeddyurappa too said the BJP had not approached when asked about Sumalatha potentially joining the party.

However, sources in the BJP said Sumalatha may be given a ministerial berth at the Centre, as her popularity, combined with that of former CM and union external affairs minister Krishna, could go a long way in helping the party penetrate Mandya and the surrounding areas of the Old Mysuru region, which are considered the fortress of the JD(S).

“The idea is to completely finish off the JD(S) and its strongholds,” said a senior BJP leader who did not wish to be named.


Also readModi magic limited to Karnataka in the south


 

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