LS polls: Chowta from DK and Kota from Udupi?

Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket distribution in Karnataka has sparked speculation, with significant developments unfolding in various constituencies.

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who faces backlash in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru due to the “Go Back Shobha” campaign, is reportedly being fielded from Bangalore North Lok Sabha constituency. This move, allegedly influenced by Yediyurappa, has led to incumbent MP D V Sadananda Gowda nearly withdrawing from the electoral race.

The caste dynamics in the coastal districts have undergone a shift with Shobha’s constituency change. To appease the Billavas and Namdhari communities who are predominant in these areas, the opposition leader of the Legislative Council, Kota Srinivas Poojary, is reportedly being considered to contest from the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency. Sources said, despite initial reluctance, Poojary has acquiesced to this decision, seen as an effort to address the Billava community’s demand for parliamentary representation.

Amidst these developments, former state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel’s chances of getting a BJP ticket seem uncertain. There are speculations that MLA of Mangalore North Constituency, Dr. Bharat Shetty or Captain Brijesh Chowta might receive the ticket instead, aimed at resolving differences within the saffron camp in Dakshina Kannada district.

The BJP’s candidate for the Uttara Kannada (Canara) Lok Sabha seat also remains undisclosed. In a recent Central Election Committee meeting, the issue was deferred pending discussions with community leaders. A candidate from the Brahmin community is anticipated, indicating the BJP’s endeavor to balance representation among the powerful communities in the coastal districts.

Despite reports suggesting sitting MP Ananth Kumar Hegde’s strong electoral prospects, concerns have arisen due to his recent controversial statements. While some senior members of the Sangh Parivar support Hegde, general secretaries at state and national levels have expressed discontent. Hegde’s candidacy remains under scrutiny, with ongoing deliberations within the party’s leadership, sources added.