Cong leaders not for pre-poll alliances

KPCC sees KJP as potential competitor in H-K, N-K

The Congress, which is gearing up for the coming Assembly elections, perceives B S Yeddyurappa’s KJP as its potential competitor in the Mumbai-Karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka regions.

The BJP in the coastal districts and the JD(S) in the old Mysore region will, however, continue to be its traditional rivals, the party believes.

The Congress took stock of the political developments in the State at the meeting chaired by Madhusudan Mistry, AICC general secretary in-charge of the party affairs in Karnataka.
KPCC President G Parameshwara, leaders of Opposition in the two Houses, Siddaramaiah and S R Patil, were among those who attended the meeting held here on Wednesday.

Mistry held meetings with district unit presidents of the party on Tuesday.

Sources in the party said that at the meeting the state leaders explained to Mistry that Yeddyurappa, being a Lingayat leader, even after coming out of the BJP, is bound to have some sway over voters in Mumbai-Karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka regions which have a sizeable Lingayat population. Therefore, the Congress should focus on these regions to counter the KJP.

The Congress is of the view that though the KJP may not win considerable number of seats, it will damage the BJP’s prospects in north Karnataka and that of the JD(S) in old Mysore areas. However, the Congress’ prospects would not be affected.

Consolidation of votes should be the aim instead of trying to have pre-poll alliance with other parties, was the general view expressed by the State leaders.

The meeting also discussed in detail about sitting and former MLAs of other parties who are seeking the Congress tickets to contest the elections.

Leaders opined that winnability should be the criteria while considering such requests. The Congress has not yet finalised any of the names which are in the list.

The high command will take the final decision, it is said.

The party has decided not to issue tickets to MLAs who had cross-voted during the recent MLC elections.

As per the directive issued by the AICC, tickets will not be given to those who had rebelled against the party during the 2008 Assembly elections.

Sources also said that the party has decided against issuing tickets to two members of the same family; candidates who have lost elections twice in a row; those who stood third during the last elections; those who lost deposits; those who lost by a margin of 15,000 or more; and those facing criminal charges.