Ballari: While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has categorically denied the possibility, state BJP chief, B S Yeddyurappa claimed on Tuesday that Karnataka was heading for an early assembly poll even before the completion of the present government’s tenure in May next year.
Speaking to reporters here, he said there were indications that elections to the state assembly could be held earlier than scheduled and considering this, his party president Amit Shah had convened a three-day meeting in the state next month to discuss its possible candidates.
A dalit woman prepares breakfast for BJP leaders. Party leaders B.S.Yeddyurappa, Govind Karjol and Shobha Karandlaje having food at her house in Ballari on Tuesday – DC
“Mr Shah will hold the meeting between August 3 and 5 in the state to discuss possible candidates for the elections. An internal suvey will be conducted by the state and central leadership to choose the candidates for the election,” he explained, claiming that public opinion would be the deciding factor in selection of the candidates.
“Let me make it clear that tickets will not be issued either by Bengaluru or Delhi, but will be based on what the local people want,” Mr Yeddyurappa said.
Calling for unity among party workers to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the polls he said, “Every party worker must work hard to ensure the victory of its candidates and help it reach the target of 150 assembly seats.”
Asked if sitting BJP Lok Sabha members could contest the state assembly elections, he said, this was left to the discretion of the party’s central leadership.
Not right to hold Iftar in math: Shobha Karandlaje
Though BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa refused to get dragged into the controversy over Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar Mutt organising a ‘Souharda Upahara Koota’ (harmony breakfast meet) at Udupi’s famed Krishna temple, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje took exception to the act and said, “It's not right to organise Iftar inside the temple. I have conveyed my displeasure to the Swamiji. He too has given his explanation and hence, it is now a closed chapter,” she told reporters here on Tuesday.
The MP referred to the beef fest organised by some intellectuals in Mysuru where they had allegedly made derogatory remarks against the BJP-led government at the Centre over the law banning cowslaughter. “We have written to the Governor seeking action against these people as per law,” she said.
