New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday hinted at major surgery in terms of giving tickets to aspirants by saying the party is ready to take difficult decisions to create a new tradition in politics with commitment.
Speaking to reporters here, Bommai said, “Several senior leaders like BS Yediyurappa, SA Ravindranath, Halady Srinivas Shetty and KS Eshwarappa have already announced retirement from electoral politics. Hence, there will be changes in the constituencies they represent.”
On Eshwarappa retiring from electoral politics, Bommai said the National BJP President JP Nadda will take a decision on his resignation letter.
Eshwarappa has written a letter to Nadda requesting him not to give him ticket and give it to others, and announced retirement from electoral politics.
However, Bommai said the senior BJP leaders have requested Eshwarappa not to retire from electoral politics, but he insisted on accepting his letter.
He also said it is not new in BJP to ask senior leaders to make way for others, and it has been done in other states, and it is now happening in Karnataka. “This shows the creation of a culture in BJP that after attaining a level of seniority in politics, leaders should make way for others,” CM said.
“Our leadership and ideals are different from other parties and that it is ready to take difficult decisions to create a new tradition with commitment,” Bommai said.
On Jagadish Shettar’s unacceptance of the central party leadership to give way for others, Bommai said he has informed the sentiments of former chief minister who aspires to complete unfinished works by contesting again, and respectfully retire.
In a press conference at Hubballi, Shettar told reporters that he has asked the central party leadership to reconsider the decision on ticket distribution.
Responding to a question about the possibility of former deputy chief minister Laxman Savadi joining Congress, Bommai said he has asked him not to take extreme steps for any reason.
He said he would once again talk to Savadi amidst Mahesh Kumtahalli also seeking a ticket from Athani constituency.
Kumatahalli is a vital candidate for the BJP as he was instrumental in forming the government led by the party in 2019 by defecting from Congress.
The filing of nominations begins April 13, and the last day for filing papers is April 20.
The Congress has already announced a total of 166 candidates in two seperate lists. It is expected to release its third list soon.
The state will go to polls on May 10, and counting of votes will take place on May 13.
