Karnataka polls 2023: BJP releases 3rd list of candidates, SA Ramadas denied ticket

The BJP released its third list of candidates for the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections 2023. The party has dropped its seasoned leader Arvind Limbavali from Mahadevapura constituency but, in an apparent bid to placate him, has fielded his wife Manjula Aravind Limbavali.

Meanwhile, BJP state general secretary Mahesh Tenginakai from Hubli-Dharwad Central which was previously held by Jagadish Shettar has been fielded, news agency PTI reported.

However, Jagadish Shettar loyalist Kalakappa Bandi has been granted a ticket from Ron, while V Somanna loyalist Umesh Shetty will contest from Govindarajanagar.

In another decision, veteran SA Ramadas, a four-time MLA, has been denied a ticket from Krishnaraja assembly seat in the Mysuru district. According to media reports, a few members of the Mysuru District Brahmins' Association fronted by DT Prakash and others had earlier urged the BJP to field a new candidate instead of Ramadas. They accused him of not working for the community and even refused to work with him in the elections.

Meanwhile, the saffron party saw many resignations and retirements like ex-CM Jagadish Shettar, ex-deputy CM Laxman Savadi, R Shankar and MLA S Angara from the Sullia constituency in Dakshina Kannada district, among many others.

The BJP has so far named 222 candidates for the May 10 polls to the 224-member assembly. The last date for filing nominations is April 20.