Cong delays ticket application process due to poll date uncertainty

With a likely delay in the announcement of Assembly election dates, the ruling Congress has decided to go slow with the process of issuing applications to those aspiring to contest the polls on its symbol.

The Congress has extended the time limit for aspirants to collect and submit their ticket applications. Now, aspirants will be issued ticket applications till March 10, against the earlier last date of March 5. Similarly, the last date for aspirants to submit their applications has also been extended.

Poll dates are expected to be out around mid-April whereas parties were hoping for a mid-March announcement.

Applications have been issued to 2,827 ticket aspirants since February 26, when the process was rolled out. Of them, only 250 have submitted the applications thus far. Those who have obtained the applications include Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son Dr Yathindra (for Varuna constituency), Public Works Minister H C Mahadevappa's son Sunil Bose (T Narsipur), Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy's daughter Sowmya Reddy (Jayanagar) among other children of senior party leaders.

Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress president Basanagouda Badarli is also an applicant for the ticket to contest from the Sindhanur constituency in Raichur district, which is currently represented by his uncle Hampanagouda Badarli.