Congress list may be finalised by April 13

The first list of Congress candidates for the Assembly elections in Karnataka is likely to be released in two to three days. Although the screening committee that began deliberations in New Delhi from Monday has shortlisted a set of candidates, the Central Election Committee of the party will meet on April 13 to finalise the list.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President G. Parameshwara, AICC secretary in charge of Karnataka K.C. Venugopal, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Central Election Committee members Madhusudan Mistry and Ashok Gehlot, held daylong deliberations with various groups of contenders, including minority community members.

Sources in the Congress told The Hindu that the party was not keen on allotting ticket to aged candidates and those who had lost three times. Besides, incumbent MLCs and MPs are also not likely to be accommodated.

However, relatives of Congress leaders are all set to be given an opportunity as the party feels they have a winning chance. The aspirants include sons, brothers and in-laws of leaders. While the screening committee shortilisted candidates for Belagavi and Mysuru divisions on Monday, deliberations for shortlisting candidates for Kalaburgi and Bengaluru divisions were held on Tuesday.

Sources said Mr. Siddaramaiah, who returned to Bengaluru from Delhi on Tuesday night, was likely to go back to Delhi on April 13.

Earlier in the day, a group of minority community leaders from Karnataka met Mr. Venugopal and submitted a list of 23 constituencies where they said there was potential for Muslim candidates to win.

“Apart from the 11 segments where Muslims had won last time, we have asked for ticket for Muslim candidates in Jayanagar, Hebbal, Dharwad, Shiggaon, Hangal, Kolar, Bhadravati, and Davangere,” a minority leader said.