BJP picks Raghavendra for Shivamogga, Shantha for Ballari, Kulkarni for Jamkhandi

Bengaluru: Barring Mandya Lok Sabha and Ramanagara Assembly constituencies, state BJP leaders on Tuesday picked nominees for Shivamogga and Ballari Lok Sabha and Jamakhandi Assembly constituencies where byelections will be held on November 3.  

As expected, B.Y. Raghavendra, former MP and son of state unit president B. S. Yeddyurappa, will contest from Shivamogga, and R Shantha, former MP and sister of former minister B.Sriramalu, will be the party candidate in Ballari Lok Sabha constituency. For Jamkhandi Assembly constituency, the party selected Srikanth Kulkarni who contested Assembly elections in May 2018, but lost by 3000 votes to the Congress candidate. From Jamakhandi, Sangamesh Nirani, brother of former minister Murugesh Nirani was aspirant for ticket, but the leaders convinced him to work for the party. 

Speaking to reporters after core committee meeting, former minister, Aravinda Limbavali,  said the party has sent the names of B.Y. Raghavendra, B. Shantha and Srikanth Kulkarni to central election committee for approval. 

With regard to Mandya, Lok Sabha and Ramanagara Assembly constituencies, the core committee authorized Mr Yeddyurappa to finalize the candidates. Since local Congress leaders have opposed an alliance with JD(S) in both constituencies, BJP leaders expect some political developments in both constituencies. The names of candidates for these constituencies would be announced after watching political developments in both parties, dates , Mr. Limbavali added. 

“We are expecting some political developments in both constituencies and leaders from both parties are approaching BJP and pledged their support to BJP candidates in the elections. Both parties workers in Mandya and Ramanagara, opposed for alliance in by-elections,”  Mr. Limbavali added. 

The state unit of BJP has appointed elections in charge for three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies.