Sumalatha Ambareesh, Independent MP from Mandya, announced on Friday that she will pledge allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Although she is unlikely to contest assembly polls due to antidefection laws, her support ahead of the elections will help BJP in the Old Mysuru region where it has little support. While the extent of this boost is uncertain, Sumalatha stated that her decision was based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and India's reputation under his governance. She further noted that she will continue to be an independent MP but will associate herself with the BJP for the development of Mandya. Speculations were rife that she was bargaining for a ticket for her son to contest from a seat in Mandya, but she denied this claim, stating that she will not promote dynastic politics. Sumalatha acknowledged the risks of her decision, but emphasized her fight against "adjustment politics" and dynastic politics, which she said hampers the district's growth.