Sumalatha Ambareesh will contest as an independent candidate.

Sumalatha, who was aspiring for a Congress ticket was denied one as the Congress-JD(S) alliance had allotted the ticket to a JD(S) candidate. 

With Chief Minister Kumaraswamy wanting his son Nikhil Gowda to contest from Mandya, Sumalatha was not chosen as the coalition’s candidate.

Despite the rejection, Sumalatha toured Mandya for three weeks and held several rounds of talks with residents and local leaders.

Even had the BJP request her to join the party due to her immense popularity.

“The people of Mandya have assured me their support and local Congress party workers have also offered their support to me. Since I announced my candidature, I have been faced with a dilemma. There were two roads in front of me and I have decided to choose the difficult path. I am contesting as an independent candidate,” Sumalatha said addressing a press meet in Bengaluru.

Sumalatha announced that she would file her nomination on March 20 at 10 am in Mandya.

Sumalatha arrived at the Raddison Blu hotel in Bengaluru with popular Sandalwood stars – Yash and Darshan.

“Four months ago, the very moment that I never wanted to see in my life, came looking for me (referring to Ambareesh’s death). I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I had my family and friends to support me but I was still grieving and somehow a little lost and I never believed I could recover. In such a dark period in my life, Ambareesh’s supporters were there for me. But they also wanted me to continue Ambareesh’s legacy and support them in return,” Sumalatha said as she began her heartfelt speech.

When asked whether she was confident of taking on Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's son, Sumalatha said that she had the support of various groups cutting across party lines in Mandya.

"The people of Mandya came to me and asked me to contest. I have the people's support and I also have the support of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (a leading farmer’s organization). I am confident that the people will support me," Sumalatha added.

Sandalwood star Yash and Darshan, who have a huge fan following in Mandya also stated that they would support Sumalatha and also actively campaign for her in the days to come.

“Ambareesh and Sumalatha have always treated me like a family member and she always said that I was like her son. I believe that she has the courage, and one needs to take such a huge step and come out victorious. I will campaign for her and I want to tell my fans one thing – if you trust me, then support Sumalatha,” Yash said.