Winning ability is key factor in giving ticket: Karnataka BJP chief Naleen Kumar Kateel

MANDYA/ MYSURU: BJP state president Naleen Kumar Kateel on Friday did not promise to give tickets to contest in the assembly polls to political turncoats. While he said everybody is welcome to join the party, Kateel asserted that winnability is the criteria for awarding party ticket. We will select the leaders based on winning criteria, he said, adding that it is important to reach the target of 150 seats in the next assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Sri Nimishambha Temple in Srirangapatna, he said many senior leaders from Congress and JD(S) will join BJP in January and February.
“KPCC president DK Shivakumar is worried about it and is trying to dissuade leaders from joining the saffron party,” he claimed. “Former CM Siddaramaiah has no constituency to contest from. How can Congress leaders bank on a leader who has no constituency to contest from? Are Congress workers ready to defect?” he asked.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA L Nagendra on Friday asked KPCC spokesperson M Lakshmana to mind his words while criticising his political opponents. “Lakshmana has called BJP state unit chief Nalin Kumar Kateel a joker. It shows that Lakshmana lacks civility. Chiefs of political parties have their own stature, which should be respected,” he said.