<p>Mysuru: Mandya Independent <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/india/lok-sabha-polls-2024-sumalathas-neutral-stance-may-dim-hdks-chances-in-mandya-2960969">MP A Sumalatha</a> has put an end to all speculations and informed that she has withdrawn from contesting the upcoming <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/lok-sabha-elections-2024">Lok Sabha elections</a>, extending her support to the BJP. She also stated her intention to officially join the BJP on April 5 or 6.</p><p>Sumalatha made this announcement on her political future in the presence of hundreds of her supporters gathered on the premises of Kalikamba temple in Mandya on Wednesday.</p><p>Accompanied by her son Abhishek Ambareesh and actor Darshan, she offered pujas at Kalikamba temple before announcing her decision.</p>.'Ghar wapasi for me': Boxer & former Congress leader Vijender Singh joins BJP ahead of Lok Sabha elections . <p>Addressing the gathering, Sumalatha stated that she would neither contest as an Independent, nor join the Congress.</p><p>Explaining her decision, Sumalatha said that she had faced similar challenges and confusion five years ago when she entered politics and contested Lok Sabha elections as an Independent in 2019.</p><p>“The situation has changed in 2024, and I had to face different type of challenges. I made every effort to convince BJP leaders to retain the BJP seat in Mandya. But, they had to take decisions owing to the alliance. I had several offers before me to contest from Bengaluru North, Mysuru and even Chikkaballapur. But I clearly stated that politics for me will only be in Mandya, and I will never leave the district”, she said.</p><p>Sumalatha recently held a meeting with her supporters in Bengaluru.</p>.<p>“While some wanted me to contest as an Independent and others urged me to join Congress. This is the time to understand the situation and make a decision. I have withdrawn from contesting only in this Lok Sabha polls, but I will continue to serve the people of Mandya in the future in other capacities. My connection with Mandya will continue”, she said.</p><p>When asked whether she would campaign for JD(S) candidate H D Kumaraswamy for the Lok Sabha polls, Sumalatha said, “I will be joining the BJP in a couple of days. After that, the party will take a decision and I will abide by it”.</p><p>Earlier, a handbook of Sumalatha’a achievements during her five years as an MP was released, and a documentary was screened.</p>
<p>Mysuru: Mandya Independent <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/india/lok-sabha-polls-2024-sumalathas-neutral-stance-may-dim-hdks-chances-in-mandya-2960969">MP A Sumalatha</a> has put an end to all speculations and informed that she has withdrawn from contesting the upcoming <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/lok-sabha-elections-2024">Lok Sabha elections</a>, extending her support to the BJP. She also stated her intention to officially join the BJP on April 5 or 6.</p><p>Sumalatha made this announcement on her political future in the presence of hundreds of her supporters gathered on the premises of Kalikamba temple in Mandya on Wednesday.</p><p>Accompanied by her son Abhishek Ambareesh and actor Darshan, she offered pujas at Kalikamba temple before announcing her decision.</p>.'Ghar wapasi for me': Boxer & former Congress leader Vijender Singh joins BJP ahead of Lok Sabha elections . <p>Addressing the gathering, Sumalatha stated that she would neither contest as an Independent, nor join the Congress.</p><p>Explaining her decision, Sumalatha said that she had faced similar challenges and confusion five years ago when she entered politics and contested Lok Sabha elections as an Independent in 2019.</p><p>“The situation has changed in 2024, and I had to face different type of challenges. I made every effort to convince BJP leaders to retain the BJP seat in Mandya. But, they had to take decisions owing to the alliance. I had several offers before me to contest from Bengaluru North, Mysuru and even Chikkaballapur. But I clearly stated that politics for me will only be in Mandya, and I will never leave the district”, she said.</p><p>Sumalatha recently held a meeting with her supporters in Bengaluru.</p>.<p>“While some wanted me to contest as an Independent and others urged me to join Congress. This is the time to understand the situation and make a decision. I have withdrawn from contesting only in this Lok Sabha polls, but I will continue to serve the people of Mandya in the future in other capacities. My connection with Mandya will continue”, she said.</p><p>When asked whether she would campaign for JD(S) candidate H D Kumaraswamy for the Lok Sabha polls, Sumalatha said, “I will be joining the BJP in a couple of days. After that, the party will take a decision and I will abide by it”.</p><p>Earlier, a handbook of Sumalatha’a achievements during her five years as an MP was released, and a documentary was screened.</p>