CM hints at new faces for upcoming Assembly polls in some constituencies

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has hinted that the BJP may adopt a new strategy in selection of candidates for the May 10 Assembly polls. This has given rise to speculation that the party may pick fresh faces and surprise candidates in at least some constituencies.

During the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election last year, the BJP had dropped 80 MLAs, including three ministers, and had fielded 104 fresh candidates mostly from among the backward castes. It is being said that the party may adopt a similar strategy in Karnataka too.

The screening committee of the party has been meeting over the last three days at a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru to finalise candidates with winning potential. Speaking to reporters at the BJP office in Malleswaram on Thursday, senior leader B S Yediyurappa said the list of shortlisted candidates will be sent to the party bosses in Delhi on Friday.

To a question on whether minister V Somanna will be contesting against Congress leader Siddaramaiah from Varuna constituency, Yediyurappa said the party high command will decide on it. On the issue of candidates in Belagavi district, where Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi is lobbying for his supporters, Yediyurappa said they have spoken to Jarkiholi and sorted out the issue.