Karnataka election: 3-day marathon meetings later, BJP yet to finalize first list of poll candidates

BENGALURU: The wait for BJP's first list for the May 10 assembly polls just got longer with the party unable to finalise candidates even on Monday, despite a series of meetings for three days in a row. The list is now expected either on Tuesday or Wednesday with the filing of nominations beginning on Thursday (April 13).
On Monday, BJP president JP Nadda held two rounds of meeting with CM Basavaraj Bommai, Dharmendra Pradhan, in charge of Karnataka polls, state BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel, Union minister Pralhad Joshi, and others. Former CM BS Yediyurappa met Nadda briefly.

Sources said that 140 candidates had been finalised at the CEC and another 40 on Monday. At least 170-180 candidates will be in the first list likely to be released by Tuesday morning.

On Sunday the central election committee meeting discussed in detail all the seats. Today again, our national president called me to seek more clarifications on some seats. I have given my opinion. In all likelihood, the first list will be out by tomorrow," Yediyurappa told media after the meeting.

But Bommai said the announcement of the first list may drag till Wednesday. "The first list was supposed to be announced by Monday evening. But with more ground reports to be gathered, especially with regard to fielding new candidates, it is taking time," Bommai said, rejecting reports of confusion on selection of candidates.

The Congress took a dig at Yediyurappa and Bommai for differing on deadlines. "How will the party struggling to release its first list of candidates face elections?" the party tweeted.
The BJP national leadership is said to have ordered a fresh survey in 15-20 seats owing to different findings in earlier surveys. The party is also said to be debating denying tickets to some sitting MLAs, particularly those who are above 75 years, and those facing a strong anti-incumbency.