Current ministers, MLAs to be knocked off from Karnataka Congress' ticket list

Karnataka will head to assembly elections April-May 2018

Non-performing MLAs and some current cabinet ministers, will not be given a ticket by the Congress in Karnataka to contest the 2018 assembly elections. By December, the Congress will decide on its candidates for the upcoming assembly elections and the party's eyes are set on bringing in new comers.

The Siddaramaiah government is Karnataka does not face anti-incumbency largely in the state, however, MLAs and Ministers are facing public ire in their constituencies. In a bid to save seats in constituencies where people are disappointed with their legislators, the Congress has decided to knock them off its ticket list.

"By November end the party, as well as the workers, will get a clear picture of who will be the candidates and who will not be given another chance. The party wants new faces and is keen on bringing on board workers who have sway in constituencies. Disappointment over one legislator's performance or public connect should not cost the party a seat," said a KPCC office bearer.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to leave to New Delhi with Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday after the inauguration of Indira Canteen. According to party sources, several rounds of discussion on giving out tickets to current ministers and MLAs have already taken place. "This is an election year and there is no time to lose. There won't be early elections but preparations are already underway. Discussions are already taking place over ticket aspirants and repeating candidates.

The Congress is hoping to make inroads into traditional BJP bastions, especially in North Karnataka. With the region in mind, the party created a new post, working president North Karnataka, to strengthen the party. However, secretaries appointed by KPCC chief Parameshwara are willing to travel to northern parts of Karnataka. "A list of functionaries have already been put out but most are refusing to travel and work for the party in North Karnataka. They do not want to leave Bengaluru and neighbouring districts. A new list will be put up soon," said a party source.

With the BJP preparing to launch an all out attack against the Congress after being prodded by Amit Shah, the Congress is gearing up to double up its counter attack. Congress is making changes from within and is now willing to let go of MLAs and some ministers to make way for new comers and stop BJP and JD(S) from cashing in on anti-incumbency at the constituency level.

OneIndia News