20 sitting MLAs likely to miss the BJP's ticket bus in Karnataka

Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa had last week said that four to six sitting MLAs might not get tickets from the party for the upcoming state elections, but it now looks like about 20 leaders might miss the ticket.

The BJP, which is aiming to come back to power, is looking for candidates who have the ability to overcome the anti-incumbency and corruption allegations against the ruling party. There have been reports of the high command adopting the Gujarat strategy by replacing the sitting MLAs, but it is still unclear whether the saffron party will implement it in this state.

Nonetheless, about 20 sitting MLAs are unlikely to get tickets this time.

It is reported that the MLAs caught in controversies, and corruption allegations and those facing anti-incumbency might not get the tickets. The age factor is also a criteria to get a BJP ticket this time.

Who Are Likely to Miss?

As per a report, a few ministers and about 20 MLAs are unlikely to get BJP tickets. Madal Virupakshappa, who resigned as the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), after his son was caught in a bribe scam, will possibly pay a big price for it as the party is unlikely to field him from the Channagiri constituency.

Mudigere MLA MP Kumaraswamy's popularity has taken a beating. Hence, he might not get the ticket, this time.

Kanakagiri MLA Basavaraj Dadesugur, Davangere North MLA SA Ravindranath and Haveri MLA Nehru Olekar might not get tickets this time.

Former minister KS Eshwarappa, minister Govind Karjol, Thippa Reddy, Suresh Kumar, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and KJ Bopaiah might be dropped due to age factor, the report added. Also, a few leaders who joined the BJP from other parties might miss the bus.

It is said that the BJP might possibly field new faces and people with RSS are expected to get tickets.

Meanwhile, all three parties are prepping up for the state polls which is might be possibly held in April or May.