Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: The results will be declared on 13 May. (Photo: PTI)
This time due to rebellion and non-availability of tickets, many potential candidates have contested as independents and have a good chance of winning.
With the counting of votes and the declaration of results underway, national parties in Karnataka are turning their attention to winnable candidates who contested the May 10 assembly elections independently.
According to sources, the Congress has already approached SI Chikkanagoudar of Kundgol constituency in Dharwad district. There is a direct fight between Chikkangoudar and BJP candidate MR Patil.
Acting on the news of Chikkanagoudar’s possible victory, the Congress has already invited him to join hands with the party. Sources say Chikkanagoudar is a follower of former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar through whom the party is contacting him.
Chikkanagoudar contested as an independent after being denied a ticket by the BJP. National parties have also approached MP Latha Mallikarjuna, who is contesting as an independent candidate from Harapanahalli seat in Bellary district.
Congress did not give ticket to Lata, daughter of late senior Congress leader MP Prakash.
Sources reveal that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has personally called and talked to him. Congress leaders have already approached him to break the ice.
In 2018, an independent candidate won the assembly elections. In the 2013 elections, nine independent candidates were elected and received 7.4 percent of the vote. In 2008, six independents had won while in 2004, 17 independents had won. In the 1999 elections, 19 independent candidates were elected to the state assembly.
This time due to rebellion and non-availability of tickets, many potential candidates have contested as independents and they have good chances of winning. Political parties are luring candidates with photo finish prediction of results.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)