Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jun 9: Sumalatha Ambareesh, independent MLA of Mandya constituency, met B L Santosh, south India organizing secretary of the party and other state leaders of the BJP at their office in the city on Saturday, June 8.

Sumalatha's meeting with Santhosh has spread rumours in the political circles of the state that she is intending to join saffron party. However, Sumalatha has denied any such move. It is believed that she is seeking funds for her constituency through Santhosh, who is believed to be a close aide of party president and union home minister Amit Shah.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sumalatha said that it just a courtesy visit as she wanted to express her gratitude to all those who have worked for her victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

"I wanted to thank the workers of the BJP party who had worked hard for my victory. Also, I did not get the chance to meet Santhosh, so I thought of meeting and expressing my gratitude to him. I have also asked for the support of the BJP leaders at the center to conduct developmental work in Mandya district," said Sumalatha.

The meeting also assumes some significance of different kind as Santhosh is believed to be not in good terms with the state BJP president Yeddyurappa. The former CM Yeddyurappa is not in town as he is on a tour of the state visiting the drought-affected areas.