Mandya: Actor and Housing Minister M H Ambareesh’s hospitalisation has started worrying Congress leaders and party workers in Mandya with election dates approaching fast.

Ambareesh had played a key role in wresting the Mandya Lok Sabha seat from JD(S) in the byelections by ensuring the victory of actor Ramya in the Vokkaliga heartland. This had boosted the morale of partymen and also gave a fillip to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Ambareesh’s absence in leading the campaign now is making partymen jittery. Though many claim that the party will repeat its performance in the coming general elections, there are others who feel that Ambareesh’s presence would have had a greater impact because of his strong following in the region.

At this juncture, the Congress needs Ambareesh and also senior leader SM Krishna for its campaign in Mandya. With Krishna keeping a low profile and staying away from active politics, Ambareesh had gained importance as the District In-charge Minister.

His victory from Mandya Assembly seat by a huge margin and in the Lok Sabha polls earlier proves that he still holds sway over the people of Mandya.

Meanwhile, many Congressmen feel that Ramya is inaccessible and unavailable, and want her to stay in Mandya and be more accessible to address issues.

She also has upset Ambareesh fans by her reported remarks that her ‘caretaker father’ was instrumental in Ambareesh entering politics.

Her statement on Ambareesh’s health has also irked his fans, who met recently under the leadership of former MLA L R Shivarame Gowda and objected to her statement.

A few Congress leaders like Chandrashekar and  Shivalinge Gowda also felt that Ramya’s statements were unwarranted.

In view of this divisive row, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah intervened and held talks with a few leaders on the issue. They have been asked not to make it an issue during the polls, and told to work in tandem as Congress is keen to win 20 seats, including Mandya.

Sensing trouble, Ramya at a public function in K R Pet clarified that Ambareesh is her mentor and he always encouraged her to get into politics.

She also charged that her political rivals are spreading rumours to cause resentment among party workers and Ambareesh fans.

However, party leaders feel that the return of Ambareesh would clear confusion within the party.

Meanwhile, MLA P M Narendraswamy said Ambareesh is doing well and the party is hopeful that he will return to the state very soon. However, he admitted that Ambareesh’s absence has created a vacuum.

Ambareesh’s Health Improves, Out of ICU.