From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Aug 2: Even as the final word on the disqualification of the 17 MLAs – 14 from Congress and 3 from JD(S) is yet to be known as the Supreme Court is seized of the matter, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has already started the process of shortlisting of candidates whenever the by-elections are announced.
The outgoing Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar has taken a decision on disqualification of the 17 `disgruntled’ MLAs from Congress and JD(S) and has already furnished a detailed report along with videographic evidence to justify his decision and the orders have already been conveyed to all concerned.
KPCC as well as JD(S) have formally announced the expulsion of all the disqualified MLAs belonging to the two parties.
State Congress leaders - File photo
Senior leaders of the Congress party held a meeting at the party office on Thursday and discussed names of various probable candidates in 17 constituencies, for which elections are to be held.
The Congress and JD(S) have already expelled rebel candidates from their respective parties. The party had also dissolved the Congress block units in all constituencies represented by the rebel MLAs.
Congress party leaders comprising former chief ministers Siddaramaiah, M Veerappa Moily, discussed various issues related to the party and preparing candidates for by-elections in case the Apex Court upholds the former Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar’s order on disqualification of legislators.
Meanwhile, rebel MLAs have also moved the Supreme Court challenging the Speaker’s order.
The disqualified MLAs have not joined any political parties so far despite being expelled from their respective parties.
Speaking to media after the meeting, KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao said senior leaders have decided to constitute teams headed by senior leaders in all 17 constituencies to prepare the party and local leaders for by-elections.
Candidates considered popular at the constituency level, loyal to the party and its principles would be identified and given tickets to contest by-polls, Rao said.
A list of party’s poll observers in all 17 constituencies would be released in a day or two, he said.
Leaders have decided to develop alternative leadership in constituencies by strengthening the organizational cadre, the KPCC chief said.