Sumalatha has register a thumping win in her first-ever election. The yesteryear actress and wife of late actor-politician Ambareesh has defeated Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the son of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency.
The actress has won the keenly-fought battle against Nikhil by a margin of 1.25 lakh votes. It has been a prestige battle for the JD(S) as it marks the formal entry of Nikhil to politics.
Caste and HD Kumaraswamy's popularity among the people of Mandya were by his side. Adding to it the party had eight MLAs and two MLCs from this region which easily made Nikhil the favourite to win the election. But as the campaign started gaining momentum his chances started waning away.
However, the JD(S)'s personal attacks on Sumalatha and her star campaigners like Yash and Darshan had an adverse impact on its candidate.
Sumalatha contested as an independent contestant after Congress, owing to the coalition compulsions, gave away the seat to its partner JD(S). The BJP too supported her candidature and did not field any candidate.
She got the backing from a section of Congress workers which seem to have benefited her to a large extent. The yesteryear actress was actively supported by Challenging Star Darshan and Rocking Star Yash.
