Karnataka Legislative Council polls: All eyes on Congress' cards

Mangaluru: With the elections for 11 seats in the Karnataka Legislative Council fast approaching, political party camps are buzzing with activity.

The Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) (who are the voters for these seats) will cast their votes on June 13. The last date for nominations is June 3. However, none of the political parties have named their candidates yet.

Considering their strength in the Legislative Assembly, of the 11 seats, the Congress Party is poised to secure seven, the BJP three, and the JD(S) one.

However, the competition within the Congress Party is particularly intense due to the high number of aspirants. The Party leadership is considering various factors such as caste, community, and regional representation in their candidate selection process.

"Leaders and workers are pushing for nominations based on several aspects, including regional representation, caste, and seniority. Many aspirants are in Bengaluru seeking to influence party leaders, while some have even approached leaders in Delhi," a Congress leader told Deccan Chronicle.

Among the potential nominees, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son Yatindra is a likely candidate. Minister NS Boseraju, whose term is ending, is also expected to be renominated. AICC secretary PV Mohan and former MLC Ivan D'Souza's names are also making rounds. However, the competition remains intense.

Leaders from the Muslim community in Coastal Karnataka have also asked for representation.

"Muslims have consistently supported the Congress, and we hope the party will allocate a seat to a Muslim candidate this time. Previously, the party nominated Harish Kumar from the Billava community, and Ivan D’Souza, a Christian. Manjunath Bhandary from the Bunt community is a sitting MLC. Now, we are hopeful for a Muslim candidate from Coastal Karnataka," a leader stated.

Meanwhile, the BJP has reportedly finalized its list of candidates, with an announcement expected soon.

Though sitting MLC BM Farooq is a strong leader in JD(S), it is not yet clear if he will continue as Javarayi Gowda and Kuprendra Reddy's names are also making rounds.