Will BJP pitch for Sumalatha Ambareesh from Bengaluru North Lok Sabha seat?

BENGALURU: With sitting Lok Sabha MP D V Sadananda Gowda his retirement from electoral politics, the BJP may be looking to field Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh from Bengaluru North Lok Sabha constituency.

The saffron party and the Janata Dal (Secular) have stitched up alliance for next year’s Lok Sabha polls and the former may try to convince Sumalatha Ambareesh to constest from Bengaluru North instead of Mandya as part of the electoral understanding.

The JD(S) is keen to field its candidate from Mandya, which is its stronghold and can be assured of a win. While the BJP does not have much presence in Mandya, it may see its votes rise if Sumalatha agrees to contest on a party ticket, but a win may not be assured, political watchers point out.

To take on the Congress, which also has a strong presence in Mandya, the JD(S) fielding a candidate and the BJP extending support will ensure a win, party leaders feel. In Bengaluru North, there is a sizeable Vokkaliga population and the tieup with JD(S) and Sumalatha’s own image will help her win, they added. If Sumalatha can be convinced, it will help the alliance and the BJP can also look to retain the Bengaluru North seat, they pointed out.