Karnataka polls: BJP releases first list of 189 candidates, fields 52 new faces

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released the first list of 189 candidates for the assembly elections in Karnataka. "52 out of 189 are fresh candidates," BJP's National General Secretary Arun Singh said while releasing the list. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai will contest from the Shiggaon constituency. There are five advocates, nine doctors, one retired IAS, and one IPS on the party's first list while eight women have been fielded in the elections. 

BY Vijayendra, son of former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, will contest from the Shikaripura seat. State Minister B Sriramulu has been fielded from Bellary Rural. BJP national general secretary C T Ravi will contest from his traditional seat, Chikmagalur. State Minister Dr Ashwathnarayan CN has been fielded from Malleshwaram, while minister R Ashoka will contest from two seats - Padmanabhanagar and Kanakapura.

Karnataka minister V Somanna will contest against Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah in Varuna. He will also contest from one more seat, Chamarajanagar.

Karnataka: List of candidates 

Nippani: Shashi Kala
Chikkodi-Sadalga: Ramesh Katti
Athani: Mahesh Kumthalli 
Kagwad: Balasaheb Patil
Kudachi: P Rajiv 
Raibag (SC): Duryodhan Mahalingappa 
Hukkeri: Nikhil Katti