Independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh joins BJP in a boost to NDA ahead of LS polls
Mandya in Karnataka Sumalatha Ambareesh on Friday joined the BJP, in a boost to the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Terming it an «important and good day» in her political life, the 60-year-old said she is deeply inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, his dream for the country by 2047 and his dedication towards it.
«Listening to his (PM) speeches in the parliament, I have been inspired and I have understood things. Considering all these things, I felt joining BJP would be a right choice for me,» she said, as she also thanked several state leaders including former Chief Ministers B S Yediyurappa, Basavaraj Bommai and D V Sadanada Gowda for their cooperation.
Veteran BJP leader Yediyurappa, state President B Y Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly R Ashoka, national General Secretary in-charge of elections in Karnataka Radha Mohan Das Agarwal and Sadananda Gowda were among those who welcomed her into the party fold at its state headquarters here.
With BJP ceding Mandya seat to its alliance partner JD(S) in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Sumalatha, after consulting her supporters and wellwishers in Mandya, on Wednesday announced her decision to opt out of the elections, and join the BJP.
The wife of popular film star M H Ambareesh, Sumalatha had earlier staked claim for BJP ticket for re-election from the Mandya seat that was represented by her late husband in the past. But the party convinced her and gave it to JD(S).
JD(S) state President and former Chief Minister H D
