Cong list likely before Match 10: Khandre

Expecting the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates before March 10, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president Eshwar Khandre has said that the list of the party's candidates in the state is likely to be released before that.

He said, "According to 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. The KPCC Election Committee's meeting is being held in Bengaluru on Monday (February 18). After the screening committee meeting, AICC Election Committee will finalise the list of candidates".

The discussion about seat sharing with the JD(S) has not yet begun, he said.

As part of the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections, the party will hold district-level conventions across the state and the first such convention will be held in Raichur on February 23. All constituencies will be covered by March 10, Khandre added.

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