Mandya politics taking heating up
Even before the Lok Sabha elections are announced, the politics in Mandya region is already gaining volume. Caste and cinema is ruling people’s minds these days. Now Mandya is witnessing the culmination of these two. In the backdrop of actor and politician Ambarish’s demise, his wife Sumalatha is trying to gain entry into politics by riding the sympathy wave. But Congress is hesitant to offer ticket to Sumalatha owing to the fact that the party has already submitted Mandya constituency to JD(S).
Ambarish wasn’t too loyal to Congress towards the end of his days. He had given open statements against Siddaramaiah during the Vidhan Sabha election time. There are also allegations that he worked against Congress. Hence even Congress wasn’t too keen on staging Sumalatha from here. There is a plan to stop Sumalatha’s foray into politics by way of handing over Mandya to JD(S). But Sumalatha is highly bent upon contesting from Mandya. One wonders whether she’d be doing so on Congress ticket or independently, if Congress does not offer her the ticket. The final decision is awaited.
Ambarish was not just an actor, but someone who was in touch with the people at grassroots level too. Hence his entry into politics was easy and natural. But Sumalatha does not possess such qualities. The only identity she has is that of being Ambarish’s wife. It has been ages since she left cinema industry. She hasn’t ever identified herself with Ambarish’s politics or his choices, publicly. She is unaware of the undercurrents of politics as well. At the same time, Devegowda family has had deeper roots in Mandya politics. Just as Sumalatha’s cinema background, Gowda’s family too done it’s time in cinema related fields. Gowda’s grandsons Nikhil and Prajwal have identified themselves in Mandya politics. Sumalatha is yet to begin to create a base for herself among people in Mandya. But Nikhil is already actively involved in creating a base of party activists and workers. Hence it would be difficult for Sumalatha to face all this alone without any help or guidance.
This is a tailor made situation for BJP to make its mark. It is now inevitable that she joins BJP to contest elections as she wishes. State minister and CM’s brother Revanna has issued some irresponsible statements about actor Sumalatha. “It hasn’t even been a few months since Ambarish passed away. Sumalatha already wants to join politics. Why is she in such a hurry?” This statement cannot be dismissed as a callous one. Because he hasn’t only defended it, but also refused to apologise. There is no law that prohibits a woman from coming out of the house and participate in any public event after her husband dies.
This is an unconstitutional and anti-democratic anti-women statement. This is a blatant show of privileged patriarchal mindset. Revanna has indirectly told Sumalatha that she has lost her husband and she must limit herself to her house. Widespread criticism has flown against this statement by Revanna. His arrogance and loose talk may be well used by Sumalatha to her benefit. Sympathy may turn into votes for sure. Revanna has criticized Sumalatha’s cinema stint as well. He has conveniently forgotten that his family members are in cinema too. If one is political acting, one can say the same thing about Gowda’s grandsons too!
This Lok Sabha elections, the entire Deve Gowda clan is planning to contest the elections. And yet Devegowda is saying he hasn’t indulged in “family politics”. He says all the members are coming into politics on their own strengths and have worked hard enough. Devegowda is a statesman. He rose to the level of a PM from village level grassroots and farmer leader. His sons do not have that background as he does. Everyone is aware of route Kumaraswamy took to be the CM first time. If conniving and opportunism were ‘political qualities’, even HDK is talented then. One thing is for sure. If not for Devegowda’s background, the children wouldn’t have grown to this level. His grandsons do not have even that advantage of their fathers do. Hence Devegowda needn’t have explained that he wasn’t engaging in family politics.
Because every politician today is engaged in family politics. People feel this is better than the politics a man without family is doing as the PM of the country. The road to success is not any easy for Nikhil in Mandya. Voters may take the memory of Ambarish till the voting booth. And the coalition parties would have presented an opportunity to make foray into Mandya to BJP on a platter.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
