Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced on Friday that the BJP's State Election Committee has listed three names per constituency for the Assembly elections on May 10, and that the party's Parliamentary Board will meet in New Delhi on April 8 to discuss and finalise the list of candidates, news agency PTI reported.
This evening, the Chief Minister will depart for New Delhi.
"Tomorrow our Parliamentary Board meeting will take place there (in Delhi). After discussions tomorrow (on candidates) the Parliamentary Board will finalise," Bommai was quoted by PTI in its report.
Speaking to media, he stated: "Opinions have been gathered from constituency and district level, after which the State Election Committee has shortlisted three names (per constituency).. it will be discussed and finalised by the Parliamentary Board in Delhi." Ticket aspirants are waiting for the BJP to announce the list of candidates, with election date approaching.
BJP Parliamentary Board member and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who would also attend the conference in Delhi, told the reporters in Bengaluru that the list of candidates will be revealed in two to three days.
In response to a query, he stated: "Naturally (there is pressure), as there are three to five aspirants in certain constituencies. We have shortlisted two-three names per constituency and sent it to centre. Based on the discussion with the central leaders about winnability and other things, candidates will be finalised."
Election notification will be issued on April 13, while the last date for filing nominations is April 20. The Congress has announced candidates for 166 out of total 224 seats, while JD(S) has announced one list of 93 candidates.
Following the clash that broke out between BJP and Congress supporters on April 6, section 144 of CrPC imposed in the Shorapur constituency of Yadgir district for two days. The orders were issued by the District Collector of Yadgir.
(With Inputs From PTI)