JOIN USJD(S) to concentrate its energoes on 170 'priority' constituencies
The JD(S), which is trying to make inroads into north Karnataka, has decided to focus its efforts and energies only on 170 out of the 224 Assembly constituencies in the upcoming elections.
Though the party will field candidates in all 224 constituencies, its priority will, however, be the 170 constituencies. The party is said to have chalked out a 'master plan,' as per which, it will be dividing the priority constituencies into three categories - A, B and C. The master plan has been prepared based on an internal survey carried out by the party, sources said.
While category A comprises 80 constituencies, Category B consists of 90 constituencies. The remaining 10 constituencies will come under Category C. Category A constituencies are the winnable seats, which are largely spread across the old Mysuru and north Karnataka districts. Category B constituencies are those where the party can ensure a victory, provided it makes concerted efforts. This comprises districts in the north and some Hyderabad-Karnataka constituencies, the sources said.
Also, for the first time, the party has decided to concentrate on the coastal districts, despite it lacking a base there. It has identified a few constituencies in these districts, which will come under Category C. While JD(S) leaders H D Kumaraswamy and H D Deve Gowda will tour extensively in the Category A constituencies, the second rung leaders will focus on Category B constituencies.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Kumaraswamy said his party's target was to win 113 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections. The party has set this target as it was assured of receiving funding from donors to put up a good fight in these constituencies.
"I have identified 170 constituencies where we can put up a good fight, but the target is to win 113 seats independently. Only then will the Governor open the gates of Raj Bhavan to us. So, we have decided to focus on only certain constituencies," he said.