Hubballi: Denying reports that there is an age limit in the BJP for anyone who wants to contest elections, former chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said that there is no such policy in the party's constitution.
Responding to reports that that he will be the successor of BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa once he retires after crossing 75, Mr Shettar clarified that the party has allotted the poll ticket even to those who have crossed that age limit, in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. He however said he will abide by the decision of the party high command on this subject.
Claiming that the alliance between the Congress and JD(S) in Karnataka will work to the advantage of BJP, he said disgruntled Congress workers will support the party in the southern parts of the state as they are upset with their high command for giving up constituencies to the JD(S). "Congress leaders are fighting for their existence against their main rival, JD(S) in Mandya, Hassan, Mysuru and other constituencies. They fear that giving up these constituencies will jeopardize Congress prospects in that region. Therefore, these leaders will support the BJP to defeat JD(S)", Shettar told Deccan Chronicle. He also said that the BJP will fight the elections based on the image of candidates and the development works undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last five years.
Responding to reports that some sitting MPs in the state may be dropped because of the anti-incumbency factor, he clarified that this will be known only after a scientific survey is conducted on such parliamentarians.
He also said that the decision on whether to field a BJP candidate in Mandya or support Sumalatha Ambareesh will be taken only after she adopts a clear stand on contesting as an independent.
