Lok Sabha Elections: Preparations are on for next year’s general elections as the ruling BJP-led NDA eyes its third term in a row while the opposition aims to dethrone the PM Narendra Modi government from power. With much at stake, choosing candidates for each Lok Sabha constituency is going to be a daunting task for all the parties. Now, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has hinted that Congress’s final list of candidates for Lok Sabha elections in the state could be out before January 2024, reported PTI.
Talking to reporters about ministers being appointed as observers for the general elections, he said, "For 28 constituencies, one each -- so, 28 Ministers have been appointed.... they will give two or three (candidates) names in eight to ten days. We will finalise as soon as possible."
"It won't be a surprise, if we release the list even before (January). We have asked for a report in ten days," he added.
BJP, JD(S) Leaders Willing To Join Congress: Shivakumar
On the other hand, Shivakumar claimed that several leaders from the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and Janta Dal (Secular) (JDS) have approached Congress since after the two parties forged an alliance for the Lok Sabah elections.
"Following the BJP-JD(S) alliance, several BJP and JD(S) leaders have expressed their displeasure and are talking to me. I will have to discuss this with the Chief Minister, some cabinet colleagues and party leaders. I have told them (BJP-JD(S) leaders) after discussion I will get back to them," Shivakumar said, as quoted by PTI.
He further added, "Several BJP-JD(S) leaders -- those who had won or lost -- have expressed their desire to join Congress, stating that they are not happy with the alliance, as they were not consulted. I will first consult within (Congress). I have already asked local leadership to induct workers from other parties at their level."
When asked about anti-defection law coming in the way of inducting BJP-JD(S) leaders into the party, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief said, "We are aware of the technical problems.... I won't talk on that issue as of now."
On Friday, JD(S) decided to join hands with the BJP following a meeting of its leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national President J P Nadda.