The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka ): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is encountering significant hurdles in finalizing candidates for 7-8 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, as acknowledged by the Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka. Despite multiple rounds of discussions with the party’s top leadership, resolving ticket allocations remains a formidable task, particularly in constituencies where grassroots resistance is strong against replacing current MPs.
The party is experiencing internal resistance in at least three seats—Bidar, Udupi-Chikmagalur, and Uttara Kannada. Additionally, intense competition among aspirants is evident in Haveri and Tumkur, while an online campaign is rallying support for the sitting MP in Mysore. Ashoka highlighted that although discussions for nearly 80% of the seats are nearing completion, the party is yet to make decisions on a handful of critical constituencies.
The BJP faces a complex scenario in these areas, where internal lobbying for tickets is intense. Ashoka expressed confidence that the party would resolve these differences, emphasizing the loyalty of the worker base to the party’s decisions, despite potential discontent among some leaders. The central leadership is expected to finalize the names based on comprehensive surveys.
Former Chief Minister and BJP stalwart B.S. Yediyurappa underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisive role in the candidate selection process. He voiced optimism about the BJP-JD(S) coalition’s prospects, aiming for a substantial victory in 25 out of the state’s 28 seats, thereby contributing significantly to Modi’s national campaign.
Yediyurappa refrained from commenting on the speculation surrounding Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar’s potential candidacy for the Mysore-Kodagu seat. The BJP’s ongoing efforts to finalize its list of candidates reflect the challenges and strategic considerations that shape electoral politics, underscoring the importance of internal consensus and strategic alliances in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.