Mangaluru: The Karnataka BJP is reportedly considering fielding new faces in the party’s strongholds for the upcoming Assembly elections.
With the elections just a few months away, the BJP is trying to ensure a clear majority without depending on independent candidates or other parties.
In the 2018 elections, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party but fell short of a clear majority. As a result, Congress and JD(S) formed a coalition government. However, the BJP eventually came to power after several MLAs from Congress and JD(S) joined the BJP.
This time, the BJP is trying its best to ensure that the party comes to power with a clear majority. Taking a cue from the uccessful experiment in Dakshina Kannada during the last election, the saffron party is considering new faces in its strongholds.
A senior BJP leader told Deccan Chronicle that the party did not field leaders like J Krishna Palemar, Nagaraj Shetty, N Yogish Bhat, and Prabhakar Bangera in the 2018 election. Instead, it opted for fresh faces and ensured the victory of first-time candidates. This approach turned successful because the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are organizationally strong in those constituencies.
The party may consider replicating the tactics in neighboring districts, particularly in the coastal and Malnad regions, where the party and RSS are strong. In these districts, the candidate is considered less important compared to the party's overall strength.
According to party leaders, changes could be made in constituencies where sitting MLAs have lost support among voters, failed to adhere to party discipline, or are perceived as non-performing. This move would not only impress the party workers and supporters, but will also promote the growth of second-line leadership.
The recent statement by Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa that all sitting MLAs except a few would be fielded in the election should be seen in the context of these potential changes, according to the senior BJP leader.
The BJP's strategy appears to be focused on consolidating its support in strongholds and impressing voters by promoting new faces and promoting second-line leadership.
