Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 2: BJP has begun preparations for Lok Sabha (LS) election in right earnest. During the evaluation exercise it began from the grass root level, the party has found that seven sitting members of parliament (MP) are not eligible to get ticket for the Lok Sabha election again.

As per information, the party does not want to continue with Lok Sabha members, who, instead of seeing a surge in their popularity supported by the radiance of the central government's achievements particularly in the fields of highways, defence and railways, have seen a fall in their public standing and popularity. It is said that out of the seven BJP members of parliament who are likely to be dropped, four are from north Karnataka and three from the south.

State BJP president Yeddyurappa

The party wants to improve the creditability of the party by drawing its candidates not only from organisations affiliated to it, but also from retired IAS and IPS officers, chartered accountants etc.

Sources say that there is not good opinion among the people about an MP from Old Mysuru region. The MP has not done anything significant other than trying to improve his own image by claiming achievements of the central government as his own. In case of two constituencies in coastal Karnataka, the candidates might be replaced. One of them has been demanding for change in constituency, it is said. Sources expect a clearer picture to emerge after the next week's national executive meeting.

Among four constituencies in north Karnataka where the party wants to field new faces, people and workers are unhappy with the MPs in two constituencies. In another constituency in Mumbai Karnataka region, local leaders are up in arms against the MP. They want change in the candidature. Although the other MP in the same area has goodwill of the people, unless young faces are given a chance, there is fear that the party might permanently lose its hold on this constancy.

The party is aware that it should have solid reason to drop the existing candidate, and there should be a capable and popular candidate to replace the current one. If professional politicians are to be considered, their past should be clean. On the other hand, retired professionals like IAS, IPS officers can be considered. Caste calculations, candidate who would most likely be fielded by the other parties, will also have a bearing on finalising the names of the candidates, sources added.