Karnataka polls | BJP's first list of 170-180 candidates by Wednesday: Bommai

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said the first list of the BJP candidates for the May 10 Assembly elections will be released either on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bommai said there is no confusion on finalising the list. “Most probably the first list will be released tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.” There is a likelihood of releasing it this evening but since there are more discussions to happen, it could be released on Tuesday or Wednesday, he told reporters in Delhi.

“For some candidates more ground report has to be gathered, more information has to be collected and discussion on the new candidates has to take place,” said the chief minister.

Also read: Congress will not come to power in Karnataka, says CM Bommai

Earlier in the day, former chief minister and BJP Parliamentary Board member BS Yediyurappa said the first list of about 170 to 180 candidates for elections to the 224-member Assembly would be released by Monday evening.

However, later in the afternoon, Yediyurappa said: “There were discussions about all the constituencies on Sunday. Our national president JP Nadda had called me for a few more clarifications on Monday. I have explained them. He may clear it (list) by this evening or Tuesday.”

The Karnataka BJP strongman denied that there was any delay in releasing the list, saying that discussions had taken place and it will be finalised. When asked whether he was unhappy as he was not present in the morning meeting convened by Nadda, Yediyurappa denied it and said: “Whatever suggestions I had given, they (BJP leadership) have agreed. We are going to get absolute majority and we are going to form the government. There is no doubt about it.”

(With Agency inputs)