Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Mar 12: All the political parties are busy in preparations for the finalization of candidates as the polling dates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections are already announced. The issue of seat sharing between Congress and JD (S) in the state is continuing. Congress does not want to give the constituencies to JD (S) in which it has sitting MPs. Especially, the constituency of Mysuru has become the bone of contention for both the coalition partners as former CM Siddaramaiah is not willing to give this away to JD (S).
Though the screening committee meeting of Congress was held in New Delhi, the constituencies which will be given to JD (S) is still not decided. The state Congress leaders have urged the high command not to give away the constituencies in which there are sitting MPs of Congress party. However, rumours are making rounds that Tumakuru and Chikkaballapur constituencies may have to be sacrificed, where the sitting MPs are from the Congress party.
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In the midst of all these chaos, out of the 10 constituencies which the JD (S) has requested, Congress may have to agree for at least eight. It is learnt that the Congress leaders have also discussed the constituencies which need to be given to JD (S). It is confirmed through reliable sources that the Congress leaders have reached a consensus in offering six Lok Sabha seats, including Shivamogga, Bengaluru North and Vijayapura to JD (S), in addition to the constituencies in which there are sitting MPs of JD(S). However, in the matter of Udupi-Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada the Congress leaders have not reached a consensus.
It is said that after Siddaramaiah refused to give up Mysuru constituency, he also suggested that there can be a ‘friendly fight’ in that constituency in which case candidates from both the parties will be fielded.
Though Congress has a list of its candidates for many constituencies, it may not release it till March 16 when CEC meeting will be held chaired by Rahul Gandhi.