BJP’s first list may contain list of 130 candidates

The BJP is expected to release its list of candidates for the Karnataka Assembly elections this week.

Sources tell OneIndia that the first list of the party is likely to be released by Saturday and it would contain the names of 130 candidates. Former chief minister and senior BJP leader, B S Yediyurappa will be going to Delhi and take part in a meeting.

"We will finalise all the seats as early as possible. BJP will get a majority and form the government in Karnataka," Yediyurappa also said.

Meanwhile a fake list did the rounds, which prompted the BJP to clarify on the same. The state unit of the party, blamed the Congress party and alleged that it has been spreading fake news. "Another lie from the Congress lie factory. Bharatiya Janata Party candidate selection process is in progress and this list will be 'FAKE,' the BJP said in a tweet.

Karnataka Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai said that opinion is being sought from the local level, then district level and state level, and based on a complete information and ground reality, it is being done in a democratic way. I am confident it will go smoothly, Bommai had said. He also said that the names will be out either on April 8 or 9.

The source cited above also said that most nearly all sitting MLAs will be retained. However there may be some hits and misses in the final list. The party is aiming at releasing the list as soon as possible and it may be done in two phases, the source also said.

Bommai too had indicated that there would be a surprise element in the list of candidates. "Some seats will give a surprise result. You are going to see it in the days to come," he also said.

The BJP would look to release the list before Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes another visit to the state. The PM will be campaigning in the state extensively over the next couple of days and the BJP hopes that it would make further inroads.

The BJP has set itself a target of winning 150 seats in the state so that it has a clear majority in the 224 member house.

Voting will take place in Karnataka on May 10, while the results will be declared on May 13.