Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 16: In all likelihood, the BJP may choose likely candidates for the lone Rajya Sabha seat that has fallen vacant due to the demise of BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Gasti on Monday, November 16. The list will be sent to the central election committee of the party for the final selection of the candidate.

At the core committee meeting of the BJP held at Mangaluru recently, discussions had been held about the possible candidates. Names of Suma Gasti, former MLA, Nirmal Kumar Surana and advocate Shankarappa had prominently figured among others, during these discussions.

It is said that an influential group is pressing for the choice of Shankarappa but the national leaders seem to be having other ideas. They want to identify a candidate from a community which has not so far got a suitable representation in the state. The choice also should be politically beneficial, the leaders say. Based on these guidelines, the state BJP leaders are trying to identify a possible candidate.

November 18 happens to be the last day for the filing of nomination. Therefore, on Monday, the leaders including state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel and chief minister Yediyurappa may hold video conference or telephonic call with central leaders through Webex and recommend names.