The big news emerging from Karnataka on Monday is that yesteryear actress Sumalatha has decided to contest as an Independent candidate from Mandya. She is the wife of late Sandalwood veteran and former Union Minister Ambareesh.

The news has come as a shock for the Congress-JDS alliance, which now has failed to win a potential winner on its side.

Also, Sumalatha has the support of 'KGF' star Yash, well-known Kannada actor Darshan and others. There is a talk that a few more Sandalwood film personalities are throwing their weight behind Sumalatha.

Sumalatha is expected to give a tough time to Nikhil Gowda (actor and HD Kumaraswamy's son). She is expected to get BJP's backing in this high-stakes battle.

The Mandya seat has become a battle of prestige to all sides.