Following the announcement of candidates in 212 Assembly segments for the 10 May elections, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said some leaders with ambitions to become legislators might be parting ways, but workers were devoted to the party. This was in response to the ruling BJP facing uprisings and desertions in some constituencies. The Congress inducting some disgruntled BJP leaders who are unhappy over not getting tickets would make no difference, he asserted speaking to reporters, and claimed that the grand old party lacked suitable candidates in about 60 Assembly segments.
“Naturally there will be a greater demand for tickets in a ruling party,” Bommai said in response to a question about dissidence within BJP. “We have spoken to our workers. Some leaders are trying to go out (of the party) with an ambition to become legislators, but workers won’t go….workers are committed to the party,” he said. The BJP has resorted to fire-fighting as disappointed aspirants have raised a banner of revolt. Responding to a question on reports about Congress being in touch with several rebel BJP leaders, the Chief Minister said, “Congress doesn’t have suitable candidates to contest in 60 seats. “They have already inducted some of our partymen, but it will make no difference. Our party and workers are strong, and people will ensure our victory,” he said. CM Bommai also added that he was also “saddened” by the choice of former Deputy CM Laxman Savadi to leave the BJP and join the Congress.
