Leaders from the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) began deliberations on Monday to shortlist “winnable” candidates in the 15 constituencies where bypolls will be held on October 21.
KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao, CLP leader Siddaramaiah, former Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, AICC general secretary P.C. Vishnunadhan, former Ministers Ramalinga Reddy, T.B. Jayachandra, and M. Krishnappa and former KPCC vice-president V.R. Sudarshan among others, discussed the strategy to be adopted if the Supreme Court rules in favour of the disqualified candidates.
“We are discussing on what needs to be done if the disqualified candidates themselves contest. We are also working on how to fight the polls if the disqualified candidates are not allowed to contest and their family members are fielded, or if the BJP fields its old members. Overall, we are aiming at winning at least 10 of the 15 seats,” said a senior Congress leader who attended the meeting on Monday.
“Also, we will have to chalk out different strategies in constituencies where it will be a straight fight and where it will be a triangular fight. We had preliminary discussions today. We have time till the court gives its ruling. As the last date for filing nominations is on September 30, we will keep two or three options ready and follow accordingly after the judgment,” said the leader.