BJP candidates list may have surprises with replacement of some MPs, indicates senior leader R Ashoka

It was probably the last such meeting to discuss potential candidates from Karnataka, he said, adding that nominees for almost all the seats have been finalised. It is now for the central leadership to take the final call and make the announcement in one or two lists.

ಲೋಕಸಭಾ ಚುನಾವಣಾ ಕುರಿತು ದೆಹಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸನ್ಮಾನ್ಯ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಶ್ರೀ Narendra Modi ಅವರ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಕೇಂದ್ರೀಯ ಚುನಾವಣಾ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @JPNadda , ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಗೃಹ ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @AmitShah, ಕೇಂದ್ರ ರಕ್ಷಣಾ ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @rajnathsingh, ಕೇಂದ್ರ… pic.twitter.com/RJY0JsGvWa

— R. Ashoka (ಮೋದಿ ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬ) (@RAshokaBJP) March 12, 2024

Also Read: Bickering in BJP sparks protest against Shobha Karandlaje’s candidature in Udupi-Chikmagalur

New faces likely

The BJP swept the 2019 general elections in Karnataka, bagging 25 out of the total 28 seats, while an independent backed by the party had also emerged victorious in Mandya.

The Congress and the JD(S), which were running a coalition government back then and fought the election together, had come a cropper winning just one seat each.

On reports that a few sitting MPs may not fielded to make way for new faces, Ashoka said some of them have announced “voluntary retirement” and there may be fresh faces in those seats. In other seats, candidate selection may depend on performance, political situation in the constituencies, and also caste combinations.

“So there may be some changes. I cannot predict as to how many sitting MPs may get a ticket, it is left for the party high command to decide. But change is certain, BJP is a party that constantly keeps changing and gives opportunities for fresh faces, so surprises may be expected,” he added.

When asked about reports that sitting MPs Nalin Kumar Kateel from Dakshina Kannada, Anantkumar Hegde from Uttara Kannada, and Pratap Simha from Mysuru may not get re-nomination, and Simha speaking emotionally on social media, Ashoka said, “Discussions have happened about the seats, I cannot reveal what was discussed. Sitting MPs must have hope and work, the decision of the high command is final. No one should lose hope, there are chances till the last minute.”

On speculation regarding Mysuru royal scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar getting party ticket from Mysuru seat, he said, “I don’t know. I have not contacted Yaduveer or spoken to him. Whether others have contacted, I don’t know about it.”

According to sources, discussions were also held regarding shifting Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje from Udupi-Chikmagalur to the Bengaluru North segment.

Also Read: Will Dr CN Manjunath be the BJP’s trump card against DK Suresh in Bengaluru Rural?

JD(S) seats

The constituencies, which should be left for alliance partner JD(S), were also discussed at the meeting, they said. As per information available so far, JD(S) may contest in three seats — Mandya, Hassan, and Kolar.

There are possibilities of a candidate from the JD(S) contesting on the BJP symbol, according to sources, and it is likely to be noted cardiac surgeon and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda’s son-in-law Dr CN Manjunath from Bangalore Rural segment, where sitting MP and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s brother DK Suresh is the Congress candidate once again.

BJP national general secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh, too, was part of the meeting along with Ashoka, and Parliamentary Board member BS Yediyurappa, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, state unit president BY Vijayendra, former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, and BJP state organising secretary Rajesh GV, from Karnataka.