Lok Sabha Election: BJP Central Election Committee Gears Up for Crucial Meeting Tomorrow

New Delhi: The crucial BJP Central Election Committee (CEC) Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, March 8. The BJP leadership, including Home Minister Amit Shah and JP Nadda, held a preliminary meeting with Karnataka state BJP leaders on Wednesday. The marathon meeting concluded late in the night, according to sources.

Sources indicate that the meeting focused on fielding candidates for 25 constituencies. Initially, there were speculations that 10 sitting MPs from the state might not receive tickets, but the central leadership has reportedly decided to replace only five sitting MPs. These seats include Bengaluru (north), Belagavi, Bidar, Tumakuru, and Davangere.

The meeting also addressed the resistance of party workers against the current MP from Uttar Kannada, Koppal, Mangaluru, Davangere, and Chitradurga. During the discussions, there was a passing reference to the possibility of fielding former Chief Ministers Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai from Belagavi and Haveri, according to sources.

A clearer picture is expected to emerge after the CEC meeting on Friday. The party may announce candidates for at least 20 seats on the same day or the following day. The second list of candidates may include announcements for 100 seats. Last Saturday, the BJP announced candidates for 195 seats in the first list.

Meanwhile, the Congress is holding its first CEC meeting today, where it is anticipated to announce candidates for the state’s Lok Sabha constituencies. Reports suggest that the Congress state leadership has submitted a single name for 18 constituencies. It remains to be seen whether the central leadership of the Congress approves the list as is or suggests modifications.