The BJP, on Monday, held marathon meetings through the day to finalize their list of candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections yet to reach a conclusion.
The party is expected to announce the list on Wednesday, following an internal discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is currently visiting Arunachal Pradesh. Incumbent Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai speaking to The New Indian said, “Tomorrow when Amit Shah ji is back from Arunachal, we will have an internal discussion after which the party will announce the list of candidates on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.”
The first meeting on Monday took place at Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s residence, followed by a meeting at Amit Shah’s residence where he provided guidelines for quick coordination. In the first list, BJP will announce the names of around 150 to 160 candidates. Another meeting was held at JP Nadda’s place, with Karnataka leaders CT Ravi, who is also BJP general secretary and MLA from Karnataka, along with CM Bommai and Dharwad MP and Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi in attendance. “We all met and had wide discussions. There was some more information required by the Parliamentary board which we have submitted. After tomorrow, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives, the list will be finalized, and by tomorrow night or day after morning, we will announce our list,” said CM Basavaraj Bommai, whose government is facing corruption charges.
Although reports suggested that all was well within the party, senior leader BS Yediyurappa was not present in every meeting. He met separately with the National President of BJP, JP Nadda, and submitted his response. Reports also emerged that Yediyurappa left in a disgruntled manner for Karnataka. When asked about Yediyurappa’s absence, CM Basavaraj Bommai clarified, “BS Yediyurappa attended two meetings under the leadership of JP Nadda ji for three days. He was also present at the Parliamentary board meeting. Whatever last-minute suggestions he gave, we have noted, and we’ll take care of it.”
When questioned about the need for several meetings, Bommai clarified, “We held extensive discussions about all 224 constituencies and charted out a comprehensive plan for the state-wide campaign. We have devised a blueprint for a methodical and scientific campaign this time.”
Bommai also censured the Congress, stating, “The Congress should concentrate on resolving their own party’s affairs, as they have their own problems to deal with. We are optimistic that the BJP will win the maximum number of seats.”
The BJP election committee meeting in Delhi on Sunday was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP Chief JP Nadda, Chief Minister Bommai, and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.