Not contesting election, announces ‘Kiccha’ Sudeep ahead of presser with CM

BENGALURU: With much speculation surrounding popular actor ‘Kiccha’ Sudeep aligning with the BJP ahead of the Karnataka Assembly election, the actor on Wednesday insisted that he will not be contesting the polls.

Speaking to reporters outside his residence, he confirmed that he will be participating in a press conference later in the afternoon along with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, but declined to give out any details. “Everything will be revealed at the press conference”, he said.

To a question on whether he would be campaigning for any candidate, he said, “From the time I entered the film industry, many people have stood by me and I firmly believe that there is nothing wrong in campaigning for them when they need me. I am an artist and I had recently announced that I have signed up for three movies and I will stick to cinema for now”.

On whether he will be campaigning apolitically, he said he has taken certain decisions based on some ‘parameters’, but refused to give out any more information. He also firmly denied that he had sought tickets for his associates. “I have not sought party tickets for anyone. If there is any of my movie releasing, I can only get those tickets for someone. I am no one to ensure party tickets for someone and I won’t even get into it. I have never lobbied, and I will never lobby for party tickets on behalf of anyone”, he said.

On invitation to join politics, Sudeep said it is not wrong for any political party to approach any popular artist to field them in the election. There have been invitations earlier too, but I have taken certain stance and I will stand by it. This is the least in which I can express my gratitude”, he said.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had said that he is in talks with Sudeep to join the party.