Deekshith D V

Daijiworld Media Network –Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Apr 8: The ruling BJP is reportedly considering fielding new faces into the electoral fray in Karnataka, including that of Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi districts.

Informed sources say that the BJP is unlikely to field a few sitting MLAs in DK and Udupi districts. Winning seats in the coastal district seems to hold the key for the BJP to gain a majority and form the next government. So the party is taking calculated risks in fielding the right candidates into the fray.

According to sources, it is learnt that the BJP is likely to field new candidates in Puttur, Kaup, and Byndoor constituencies of DK. In Puttur and Byndoor constituencies, the BJP is likely to field candidates with a staunch RSS background. In these constituencies which are the strongholds of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar, it is assumed that the party may still gain at the hustings. As the party has to battle an anti-incumbency in a few of the constituencies in DK as well as in the Udupi district, the BJP has devised various strategies to retain the seats it had won in 2018.

This time, the BJP is keen to return to power with a clear majority in the state. Sources indicate that the party is likely to replace a few of the sitting MLAs due to their alleged indiscipline and non-performance. The party is planning different strategies to consolidate the votes and retain power.

Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai has also hinted that the BJP is likely to field new faces in several constituencies.

Though Congress has already announced new faces as candidates in its first list for a few seats in DK and Udupi districts, it is also trying to announce new faces for Karkala and Mangaluru North constituencies. Both the parties are considering bringing in new faces to win the voters in the coastal region as the region is considered crucial in the government formation.