Sumalatha faces uncertainty in wake of likely BJP-JD(S) alliance

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: As the 2024 Parliamentary polls approach, Independent Lok Sabha member from Mandya, Sumalatha Ambareesh, finds herself in a state of great confusion over the potential alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) [JDS).

Sumalatha’s political journey has been marked by a complex relationship with both parties, making the prospect of an alliance between them a cause for concern.

During the recent Assembly elections, Sumalatha supported the Narendra Modi-led NDA Government and actively campaigned for BJP candidates in Mandya district. However, despite her efforts, the saffron party failed to secure any seats in the Vokkaligadominant region.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sumalatha received crucial support from PM Modi, who abstained from fielding a BJP candidate against her in Mandya.

The Prime Minister even urged voters to rally behind Sumalatha, which played a significant role in her impressive victory over the JD(S)-Congress candidate, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Throughout her career, Sumalatha has been an outspoken critic of the JD(S). She used her position in the Lok Sabha to raise issues such as alleged illegal mining carried out by JD(S) legislators’ supporters between 2018 and 2023.

However, the political landscape has taken an unexpected turn, with signs of Kumaraswamy’s proximity to the BJP emerging. This development has left Sumalatha in a state of tension, as she is uncertain whether the JD(S) might claim the Mandya seat.