‘Sumalatha Ambareesh is a strong contender’

MYSURU: Former minister N Chaluvaraya Swamy was noncommittal on who he would give a boost to in Mandya, a constituency he represented in the Lok Sabha after his win in 2009. An in depth confidant of leader minister HD Kumaraswamy, Swamy joined the Congress forward of meeting elections ultimate 12 months after falling out with the JD(S) top brass. Prior to becoming a member of the Congress, he represented Nagamangala meeting phase, which he won thrice on JD(S) tickets. Last 12 months he contested meeting elections on a Congress ticket, but misplaced.

Swamy prompt his party’s technique in Mandya — which can see a high-profile contest between actor Sumalatha Ambareesh and Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of the executive minister — is yet to be drawn up. Excerpts.

You’ve been a distinguished leader in Mandya district. What is your opinion on Sumalatha, who will contest as an independent, and JD(S) candidate Nikhil?

Madam (Sumalatha) has excellent give a boost to from other folks. There is no doubt she is a sturdy contender on this election. Nikhil has the give a boost to of 8 JD(S) MLAs from the Lok Sabha constituency, together with three ministers (shipping minister DC Thammanna, minor irrigation minister CS Puttaraju and tourism minister SR Mahesh). He may be being promoted vigorously by means of leader minister Kumaraswamy.

As a former MP from the constituency, what is your take at the present political scenario?

Both applicants have their affect and give a boost to in the constituency. At present, we cannot gauge who has the higher hand. Only after April 1, the ultimate date of withdrawal of nomination papers, we will be able to get a transparent picture. The actual work for the election starts next month. Till then, there might be no major developments.

There is talk of Congress leaders in Mandya revolting in opposition to Nikhil…

Our leaders former CM Siddaramaiah and KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao are in Delhi to talk about seat-sharing issues which have cropped up in Kolar and Tumakuru constituencies. They will return to Bengaluru on Wednesday. After they return, we will be able to hang a gathering and speak about plans for Mandya. We gets to air our perspectives on the meeting.

Has any JD(S) leader approached you, in the hunt for your give a boost to for Nikhil?

No JD(S) leader has approached me as yet.

Did Sumalatha meet you to hunt your give a boost to?

No, madam (Sumalatha) has not yet met me or sought my give a boost to, but film manufacturers ‘Rockline’ Venkatesh and Madhu had met me a couple of days in the past. We spoke on developments in the constituency.