Karnataka Chief Minister Bommai: BJP Likely To Announce First List Of Candidates For State Assembly Polls Today

Basavaraj Bommai, the Karnataka Chief Minister, stated that the BJP's initial candidates for the 10 May Assembly election would be announced today.

Over two days, BJP leaders met in Delhi to prepare and confirm the list.

Ex-chief minister BS Yediyurappa has indicated that the first list may contain the names of 170-180 candidates.

"The list can be expected today," Mr Bommai told reporters in New Delhi.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a meeting with senior leaders, including the Chief Minister, to finalise the list of candidates after his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, as per party sources, reported PTI. The list will be released soon thereafter.

Monday saw senior BJP leaders from Karnataka discuss and finalise candidates for the state assembly polls. Suggestions from the BJP Central Election Committee meeting were also considered.

Amit Shah, J P Nadda, Bommai, and Yediyurappa attended meetings with other leaders. Shah left for Arunachal Pradesh while the rest continued discussions.

There are rumors circulating that the top leadership is dissatisfied with certain leaders or lawmakers who are attempting to secure candidacy for their children. Additionally, there is speculation that certain incumbent legislators and ministers may not be included in the final list.

Nomination filing will start on 13 April with the last day for submission of papers being 20 April.

BJP is targeting to win at least 150 out of 224 seats in the Karnataka Assembly to secure an absolute majority and return to power.

Congress has declared 166 candidates, backing Darshan Puttannaiah from Melukote constituency, whereas JD(S) has released one list of 93 candidates.