Former Karnataka minister Ambareesh says 'Congress at mercy of HD Kumaraswamy and not the other way around'

Actor-turned-politician Ambareesh is in the spotlight once again. The Sandalwood star who commands a huge fan following in Karnataka has been keeping away from politics for some time because of his ill-health. This time around, Ambareesh has made headlines for batting in favour of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy. 

"It's Congress that's dependent on Kumaraswamy. He's not dependent on Congress," said former Karnataka minister Ambareesh.

Although, the actor turned neta is still with the Congress party, he said that the Congress is dependent on Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. It's this statement of his that's left the Congress party red-faced.

The former Karnataka housing minister was dropped from the cabinet in mid-2016 by former CM Siddaramaiah allegedly for being inactive.

Even though, Ambareesh is infamous as an absentee MLA in his constituency. The actor's popularity hasn't really died down owing to caste equations and other factors in the region. Mandya district, which is originally a strong-hold for the JD(S) is also a crucial pocket for the Congress party.

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Republic TV and CVoter's national approval ratings on Thursday predicted 45% votes in favour of Congress, as opposed to 40% for the JD(S) party at Mandya district in Karnataka. With pre-polls suggesting Congress to win 7 seats, every single seat counts. And,  the Congress would be aware that although it has allied with the JD(S) in the state, during polls the allies turn counterparts.

The JD(S) said it was an internal issue of the Congress party.

"Congress and JD(S) are both at the mercy of the constitution. Congress needs JD(S) and JD(S) needs Congress we cannot say that one is at the mercy of the other. Ambareesh is a very tall leader. He may have some misunderstanding with his party but that's an internal issue and I can't comment on it."

The BJP claimed that both the party's don't trust each other.

"What Ambareesh has said to a large extent is right. Congress has absolutely no base anywhere. It is fighting to retain its existence in the state. Congress has lost everywhere. If you see it is the other way round. There is no coordination between both the parties and they're currently sitting on thick ice which will cave in very soon." - Anwar Manipaddy, Spokesperson, BJP.

Recently rumours have been doing the rounds that Ambareesh may join the JD(S) ahead of the 2019 polls. Even though the JD(S) has said that it hasn't initiated any talks with the actor turned politician. Ambareesh's next political move is definitely bound to impact the politics at Mandya district in Karnataka.

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