The Congress high command is likely to field three Ministers - H.C. Mahadevappa, K.H. Muniyappa, and B. Nagendra - in the Siddaramaiah-led government to contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. All three Ministers are expected to contest from reserved constituencies.
Mr. Mahadevappa, Social Welfare Minister, would be asked to contest from Chamarajanagar (SC) reserved constituency, while Mr. Muniyappa, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, is expected to be entering the electoral fray from Kolar (SC) constituency. Mr. Nagendra, Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Tribal Welfare, would be asked to contest from Ballari constituency (ST).
Batting for son
Sources in the party said pressure was mounting on Mr. Mahadevappa to contest from Chamarajanagar constituency though he was in favour of fielding his son Sunil Bose. However, legislators of the district have reportedly promised that they can ensure victory of the party candidate if Mr. Mahadevappa entered the fray.
Mr. Muniyappa, a seven-time MP and currently Minister in the Siddaramaiah-led government, is expected to enter the fray, with the condition that his daughter Roopakala M., KGF MLA, will be accommodated in the State ministry during the next Cabinet reshuffle.
As there was no winnable candidate in Ballari to take on the BJP, the party is expected to field Mr. Nagendra, who won the Assembly election on BJP ticket in 2008. He won four Assembly elections so far, two each from Kudligi and Ballari Rural constituencies. The BJP is expected to field former Minister B. Sriramulu from the constituency.
Meeting held
The Central Election Committee (CEC) of the Congress held its meeting on Wednesday in New Delhi, to finalise the party’s list of candidates, including Karnataka.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, KPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that the party would release a list of Karnataka candidates in two phases. The party has completed discussions on candidates contesting 14 constituencies in the State, he said. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, speaking in Bidar, said that list was under discussion and names of candidates may be finalised in two to three days.
