Congress’s first LS poll list by early January?

Bangalore: All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretaries Digvijay Singh and Madhusudhan

Mistry have reportedly directed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC)  president Dr G. Parameshwar  to shortlist candidates for the Lok Sabha polls by January first week.

Both Singh and Mistry insisted that leaders should choose candidates with utmost care.

The two Congress leaders gave freedom to state leaders to pick candidates keeping winnability in mind. If they feel any incumbent MP could lose the election, they are at liberty to drop such leaders and include those who stand a better chance of winning the seat in their place, said a source.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the source in Delhi said, "The party is   likely to announce its preliminary country-wide list before the AICC meeting, which is slated to happen exactly a year after the Jaipur Chintan Shivir. Mistry and the respective state incharge AICC secretaries have instructed the respective PCC heads and CLP leaders to prepare the first list of names before January first week."

The source added that announcing the first list will not be difficult as this list will comprise of  party bigwigs, who are considered sure winners. "This time the AICC is clear that it wants strong candidates at any cost. 

Central leaders may not give in to any leader's pressure while selecting candidates. Therefore, it is almost certain that all sitting MPs will be given tickets, while those who lost narrowly last time, may also figure in the first list of probables," the source explained.

On the contentious issue of giving tickets to the "tainted", the  source said both AICC secretaries had instructed state leaders that all probables must  disclose details of the cases they are facing.

"It could be a small or big case but the details must be provided and the relevant documents must be attached with their applications for tickets, which will be discussed by an expert panel. Only after this process is completed will  such candidates get poll tickets.

This exercise is being carried out in order to prevent criticism if the party comes to power or the candidate concerned wins the election. The party wants to be sure that they know everything about the candidate's past, so, that they can defend him or her when such criticism is made," the source explained. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah categorically denied any move to expand the cabinet in the near future. However, the appointments to Boards and Corporations will happen soon, the CM said.