Last Update: January 03, 2023, 19:28 IST
We are thinking of releasing it (first list) within this month, Siddaramaiah told reporters in response to a question (PTI file photo)
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar harbor chief ministerial ambitions in case the party comes to power in the state
Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that his party is planning to release the first list of candidates for the Karnataka assembly elections to be held this month.
The Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly expressed confidence that the Congress would win the elections due in April-May on the strength of its strength and form the government in Karnataka.
“We are thinking of releasing it (first list) within this month,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in response to a question.
Responding to a question about the party receiving 1,350 applications for tickets, he said, “Since the Congress has more strength, because there is a wave in favor of the party, many people have applied for candidature.” The first list of candidates appears to be a contest between the candidates supported by Siddaramaiah and state Congress president DK Shivakumar.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar harbor chief ministerial ambitions in case the party comes to power in the state.
According to party sources, candidates from both the camps have applied for tickets in around 80 constituencies, of which around 30-35 are said to be witnessing tough competition.
The Congress is said to have decided that winnability will be the main criterion for ticket distribution and is likely to rely on internal surveys to decide candidates, he further said, adding that majority of the 69 sitting MLAs would be retained. There is a possibility.
While the JD(S) has already announced the first list of 93 candidates, the ruling BJP is yet to decide.
Responding to a question on the announcement of a new party by former minister and mining baron G Janardhana Reddy, Siddaramaiah said, in a democracy anyone can form a new regional party, ultimately it is the people who decide whether to accept it and its candidates. Yes or No.
Asked whether Reddy’s new party ‘Kalyana Rajya Pragati Paksha’ would benefit the Congress as there is a perception that it would divide the BJP’s votes, the former chief minister said, “We (Congress) are not dependent on any other party.” We will win on our strength. Let someone form a new party or whatever BJP and JD(S) may say, we will win 100 per cent.”
Pointing out that several leaders, including former Chief Ministers – Devaraj Urs, S Bangarappa, BS Yediyurappa, even now minister Sriramulu had tried to form a regional party in Karnataka and what happened to them is now part of history, he said, “I shouldn’t insult them, but ultimately people decide in a democracy.”
With an aim to win the elections and come back to power in Karnataka, the grand old party has set a target of winning at least 150 seats out of the total 224 seats in the assembly.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)