Hubballi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is yet to finalize its candidate for the Hubballi Central assembly seat, which has long been considered a stronghold of the party. The denial of a ticket to former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has shaken things up, with several aspirants vying for the opportunity to contest from this seat.
The party is expected to announce its third list of candidates by this evening, and among the contenders are BJP State General Secretary Mahesh Tenginkai, State President of BJP Medical Cell Dr. Mahesh Nalwad, Chairman of the State BJP Disciplinary Committee Lingaraj Patil, and RSS leader Jayathirth Katti.
Dr. Mahesh Nalwad, a physician by profession, has previously contested against Jagadish Shettar twice from Congress party, securing around 55,000 votes in the last election. Party sources indicate that Dr. Nalwad has a better understanding of the constituency, having been a candidate previously and being financially strong and influential not only among Lingayats but also in other communities.
Tenginkai, a grassroots party worker, is actively lobbying for the party ticket, citing his service to the party and organizational skills. Tenginkai in the changed circumstances had sacrificed party ticket to contest from the Kalaghatagi seat and allowed CM Nimbannavar to contest. Lingaraj Patil and Jayathirth Katti are also putting pressure on party leaders to secure the ticket, but sources suggest that the party is seriously considering Dr. Nalwad and Tenginkai as the top contenders.
The Hubli Express is on WhatsApp now, you can join the WhatsApp group by clicking the link >>>>>  https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hrmohnx3bkrEJRIv9kQsyD  >>>>>>> You can follow us on Facebook @HubliExpress
