BJP finalises 21 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka

On Thursday, senior leaders of the state BJP including BS Yeddyurappa had a discussion with the party president Rajnath Singh for the Lok Sabha poll preparedness. The BJP which has 18 MPs from Karnataka has cleared the names of 21 candidates.

Sources said, former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, who had recently returned to the party, will contest from Shimoga constituency. The present Shimoga MP BY Raghavendra, son of BS Yeddyurappa, has agreed to vacate the seat for his father.

BJP national general secretary Ananth Kumar will be seeking a 6th consecutive term from Bangalore South. He will contest against Congress candidate Nandan Nilekani.

At Mysore-Kodagu constituency, former minister Shobha Karandlaje, known to be close to Yeddyurappa, is expected to contest amid challenges from smaller parties. 

Former deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader R Ashoka is also expected to contest from Bangalore North after the party has denied ticket to sitting MP DB Chandra Gowda.

There was some dissatisfaction among the party leaders when former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda who wanted to contest from Bangalore North was forced to contest from Udupi-Chikmagalur.

Meanwhile, on the dismal performance of party in Gujarat, a party insider said, ‘Party is making extra efforts this time to get maximum number of seats. Since we are week in Central Gujarat, Muslim-dominated areas and tribal belt, there is an need to pay special attention in these areas.’