Congress list delayed Top leaders want their kin to be given tickets

Bengaluru: The announcement of Congress candidates for the remaining four seats among the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state faces delay, attributed to the insistence of Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa on nominating his son-in-law, Chikkapeddappa, from the Kolar constituency. Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Dr. HC Mahadevappa is pushing for Sunil Bose's candidacy from Chamarajanagar. With the Congress observing the BJP-JDS dynamics closely, it awaits the rival parties' candidate declarations, particularly for Kolar, before finalising its list.

Despite lacking endorsement from local MLAs, the lobbying efforts of two ministers persist, according to a senior Congress figure. Strategically, the Congress may counter a potential JDS Bhovi candidate with its contender, possibly Dr. L Hanumantiah or another SC representative.

Former speaker KR Ramesh Kumar conveyed to AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge that party leaders, including constituency MLAs and unsuccessful candidates, oppose Muniyappa's demand. Ramesh Kumar has suggested SC Bala member CM Muniyappa for the Kolar seat, with Kharge expected to decide after consulting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Originally planning to field Mahadevappa in Chamarajanagar to elevate him to national politics, Siddaramaiah faced resistance from Mahadevappa, resulting in the nomination of Sunil Bose. Despite former MP VS Ugrappa's strong aspirations, Sandur MLA E Tukaram's candidacy has been finalized for Bellary. Meanwhile, contenders vie for the Chikkaballapur seat, with Raksha Ramaiah, son of former Minister Sitaram, emerging as a formidable candidate against lobbying by former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily and former Minister HN Sivashankar Reddy. Ultimately, the High Command retains discretion in finalizing the candidates for the four seats, as per a senior party leader.