Archives for 2024

Bengaluru: Incumbent Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, who was denied a ticket by the BJP, on Friday said she would reveal her future course of action in the coming days after discussing with her supporters.

The multi-lingual film actress-turned-politician reiterated that BJP should have reserved the seat for itself instead of giving it to its ally Janata Dal (Secular) in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to reporters after an hour-long discussion with the BJP state president and Shikaripura MLA B Y Vijayendra, Sumalatha said, “Vijayendra expressed his opinion and expectations. I too told him about my concerns for the district and election. He asked me to join the party as he wanted me to remain with the BJP.”

“Tomorrow I my supporters are coming. I told him that I will not take any decision unilaterally without consulting my supporters. It is my duty to listen to their expectations and opinion. I told him that I will make my stand clear in Mandya itself,” Sumalatha said.

The Mandya MP had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate with the BJP’s support defeating former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda’s grandson Nikhil Kumaraswamy.

She was expecting a BJP ticket to seek re-election from Mandya. However, the BJP forged an alliance with JD(S) last year in September and as per the seat-sharing deal, decided to give Mandya, Kolar and Hassan to its ally.

Now, JD(S) has decided to field former Chief Minister and Deve Gowda’s son H D Kumaraswamy from Mandya.

Sumalatha said she wanted BJP to retain Mandya with itself so that it could have given a tough fight in the election and made its presence felt to the people of the region.

“Now there is no point to discuss things which have already happened. I will surely reveal my future course of action in the coming days,” the MP said.

Regarding Kumaraswamy’s wish to meet her, Sumalatha said she had no objection to meeting him.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Sumalatha, Vijayendra said she had responded to his request. However, she told him that she will reveal her future course of action after discussing with her supporters.

“I am of the firm belief that she will remain with us and strengthen our party. She may feel that this could be her defeat but I told her that everything will set right,” the BJP state chief said.

Mangaluru: Veteran actor Prakash Raj emphasized the responsibility of the majority to protect the minority in a democracy while inaugurating a convention of citizen-centric Kannada groups organized by the ‘Eddelu Karnataka’ organization at ‘Sahodaya’ in Balmatta, Mangaluru on Monday.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi for the electoral bonds scam, Prakash Raj criticized the alleged intimidation tactics used by the government against corrupt individuals. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness among the public regarding such issues and urged people to contemplate the implications of buying elected governments with money power.

Sharing his personal experience of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid, Prakash Raj recounted being questioned for 13 hours without any incriminating evidence being found. He emphasized his commitment to honesty and integrity, stating that he is accountable to the trust placed in him by the people.

“Despite this, I have received a notice from Coimbatore court. I won’t be afraid over such matters. My honesty can’t be questioned. You need to be afraid of nothing if you are truthful and honest. I don’t have to bow my head in shame before my loving family. What matters in not my wealth, but the trust bestowed upon me. I am not the worker of any party, but I am pro-people. And I will always work to strengthen their trust”, he stated.

Reflecting on the BJP’s loss in the last elections, Prakash Raj attributed it to the disruption of people’s peace and patience. He commended the efforts of ‘Eddelu Karnataka’ in exposing the alleged anti-people stance of the government and urged them to continue their work in service of the people.

Reinterpreting the legend of Punyakoti for modern times, Prakash Raj urged the audience to embody the spirit of compassion and empathy by helping those in need.

Addressing the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ‘Eddelu Karnataka’ State leader K L Ashok expressed confidence in their ability to secure victory. He highlighted the dedication of Prakash Raj and emphasized the importance of their contributions in shaping the election outcomes.

Reflecting on the inception of ‘Eddelu Karnataka’, ‘Ashirvad Training Centre’ Director Father Arun Louis highlighted the organization’s commitment to humanity and its role in bringing about political change.

Moderator Yasin Shirur emphasized that ‘Eddelu Karnataka’ is neither a political organization nor a mouthpiece for any party, but rather stands for the welfare of the people.

Various speakers, including political leader P V Mohan and Jamat-e-Islami Hind state leader Muhammad Kunhi, addressed the gathering on different topics related to the region. Former DySP T C M Shareef presided over the event, while D K Lok Sabha candidate Padmaraj Ramaiah sought cooperation from all attendees. Writer M G Heggade and KPCC Secretary Inayath Ali were also present, with Nisar Ahmed moderating the proceedings.