Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP) 

Bengaluru, May 7: Former chief minister and state JD(S) president, H D Kumaraswamy, paid surprise visit to actor-turned-politician, Ambareesh, who had recently declared retirement from active politics. This meeting has given rise to wild speculations in political circles. 

Kumaraswamy arrived at the apartment of Ambareesh located on Race Course Road along with MLC, T A Sharavana, late night on Saturday. He held talks with Ambareesh for over an hour. It is said that during the talks, Ambareesh expressed his deep displeasure at the way Congress leaders handled him. Sources added that he fell short of giving any concrete assurance about leaving Congress party and joining JD(S). 

Ambareesh is said to have conveyed to Kumaraswamy his anger at his party leaders who unseated him from ministerial position in the guise of his poor health, and then issued him B form and urged him to contest the election. He wondered how could the leaders overlook his health issue when asking him to contest the election, it is said. 

Both the leaders exchanged views about the current political scenario during which Kumaraswamy invited him to join his party. He also asked Ambareesh to at least canvass for his party candidates if he is unable to cross over for the present. Ambareesh who did not give any clear response, said he will take a suitable decision in course of time, sources added.  

The 'Rebel Star', who had refused to fight this assembly election from Mandya on Congress ticket, has surprised people with his move of meeting Kumaraswamy. Former Prime Minister, H D Deve Gowda, said that he is unaware of the visit of these two leaders. At the same time, speaking to media persons at the helipad at Gorur in Hassan district, Kumaraswamy said that Ambareesh told him that it would be in the fitness of things if JD(S) rises to power in Karnataka with support from farmers and young people. He said that Ambareesh will announce his decision on the invitation to join JD(S) in two days. 

Kumaraswamy said that but for the support of Ambareesh, Siddaramaiah would have been defeated in the bypoll held in Chamundeshwari constituency with a huge deficit.