Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D. K. Shivakumar, disclosed on Friday that the Congress party is poised to finalize more candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state following a crucial Screening Committee meeting scheduled for March 11.
The initial list released by Congress included seven candidates for Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka.
Addressing reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar explained, “While additional names were expected to be unveiled in today’s list, the final decisions will be made during the upcoming Screening Committee meeting on March 11.”
He further stated, “The selection of candidates has been meticulously carried out based on inputs from local leaders and survey data. Further nominations will be concluded post the Screening Committee meeting.”
Responding to inquiries regarding the number of candidates announced, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized, “The quantity of names I presented in Delhi is inconsequential. The final decisions rest with the Congress High Command, and our role is to propose names. The Congress Election Committee conducts its own assessment, and decisions are made after considering all relevant factors.”
Among the announced candidates are H.R. Algur (Raju) for Bijapur MP seat, Anandaswamy Gaddadevara Math for Haveri, Geetha Shivarajkumar for Shivamogga, M. Shreyas Patel for Hassan, S.P. Muddahanume Gowda for Tumakuru, Venkatarame Gowda aka Star Chandru for Mandya, and D.K. Suresh for Bengaluru Rural MP seat.
The entry of Geetha Shivarajkumar into the race is expected to intensify competition for the Shivamogga MP seat, currently held by B.Y. Raghavendra, son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.
Maddahanume Gowda’s return to Congress in Tumakuru is noteworthy, especially as the BJP seeks a formidable contender for the constituency following the retirement announcement of sitting BJP MP G.S. Basavaraj.
Moreover, Congress has also announced candidates for Mandya and Hassan seats, traditionally considered strongholds of JD(S), represented by independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s grandson Prajwal Revanna, respectively.