Karnataka polls: BJP releases second list of 82 candidates
Today, BJP released its second list of 82 candidates for the hotly-contested Karnataka Assembly polls. Earlier, on April 9, BJP had released its first list of 72 candidates, which included BJP's CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa and Leader of the Opposition in the Council KS Eshwarappa among others. Yesterday, BJP's Central Election Committee comprising PM Modi and party chief Amit Shah finalized the list.
Karnataka-polls are scheduled for May 12. Results will be declared on May 15. In this high-stake election, Congress wants to retain one of its last-remaining strongholds. For BJP, it's a gateway to the South as it wishes to inch closer to its "Congress-mukt Bharat" vision.
The second list features Somashekhara Reddy, tainted mining baron Janardhan Reddy's brother, who will be contesting from Bellary. CM Yeddyurappa's close lieutenant, Hartalu Halappa will contest from Sagar constituency and Kumar Bangarappa, former CM Bangarappa's son will contest from Sorab. Krishnaiah Shetty, co-accused in an alleged land scam, has also been given a ticket. Reportedly, about 31 lingayats and 17 SCs/STs have got tickets.
Second list of 82 BJP candidates for ensuing general election to the legislative assembly of Karnataka 2018 finalised by BJP Central Election Committee. pic.twitter.com/8kWG2MrbsL
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2018
Meanwhile, Congress announced a list of 218 candidates for the assembly polls. CM Siddaramaiah will contest from Chamun-deshwari, while his son Yatheendra will contest from Varuna. Another party in the fray, JD(S) announced candidates for 126 constituencies. It is backed by the BSP and AIMIM.
