Cong candidates' list likely before March 10: Khandre

Expecting the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates before March 10, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president Eshwar Khandre noted that the list of the party's candidates for the elections in the State was likely to be released before that.

"As per the wish of the party workers, we have urged the senior leaders to select the candidates well in advance. There is no confusion about the candidates to be fielded in around 20 constituencies. KPCC election committee meeting is being held in Bengaluru on Monday (February 18). After the screening committee meeting, AICC election committee will finalise the list of candidates," Khandre said.

He told media persons in Hubballi on Saturday that the discussion about seat sharing with the JD(S) had not yet begun, and it might commence within a couple of days.

As part of the preparations for Lok Sabha elections in the State, the Congress Party would hold district-level conventions across the State, and first such convention would be held in Raichur on February 23, and all constituencies would be covered by March 10, Khandre added.

He also opined that using ballot papers in elections is a better option than EVMs, to maintain transparency in the elections.