Bengaluru: Sumalatha Ambareesh was allotted the “Man blowing trumpet” symbol for the Lok Sabha election. Though she will contest as an independent candidate, she is supported by the BJP.

The symbol signifies a farmer heralding a bugle in the background of a sugarcane field.

Sumalatha had applied for symbols including farmer standing in front of the sugar cane field, coconut grove and farmer heralding a bugle.

Sugar cane and coconut groves are the main features of Mandya and most people depend on farming here.

Sumalatha's main opponent Nikhil Kumaraswamy will contest from JD(S) with a symbol of woman carrying fodder, again, depicting the farming community.

There has, been no reports of symbols allotted to Sumalatha Siddegowda and another Sumalatha, who are also contesting as independent candidates from Mandya.

The fourth Sumalatha in the race, Sumalatha Manjegowda had withdrawn her nomination. Her husband extended support to Sumalatha Ambareesh.

Complaint against Sumalatha Ambareesh:

Manjushree, deputy commissioner of Mandya has issued a notice to Sumalatha Ambareesh regarding her statements to media about the Mandya district administration.

The notice has been issued under IPC section 189. The notice states that action will be taken against Sumalatha if she fails to furnish clarification on her statement within a day.

Sumalatha had earlier said, "There is a mistake in the nomination paper (filed by Nikhil Kumaraswamy) and the official machinery has been working to cover up the issue. I have received information that the chief minister had invited the deputy commissioner home and spoke about the same. It is a violation of law..."

District Commissioner Manjushree said that this statement has tarnished her image. “The statement that chief minister is using the official machinery has put the district officers under pressure,” she added.