Amid a buzz in Karnataka BJP about the possibility of replacing some sitting MLAs with fresh faces while fielding candidates in the coming Assembly polls on the Gujarat model, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the move in one state cannot be copied in another state always, and a decision on allotting tickets would be taken based on the overall experience of the party in this issue.
Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, Joshi said, "regarding whom to be given priority (in giving tickets), one state cannot always copy the model of another state. However, we will take the decision (about candidates' selection) based on overall good experience (of the party) in this issue in different states and the party's previous experience in our state also."
He further added that the impact of the BJP's victory in the Gujarat Assembly elections is being felt across the country including in Karnataka, and predicted that the saffron party will have a big victory in the next Assembly elections in Karnataka.
When asked about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders' meeting with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai which led to speculations about the strategy for Assembly polls, Joshi said, "I am also from RSS and it is natural that RSS leaders meet him -- like friends meet."
Speaking on the State Cabinet expansion, Joshi stated that the chief minister and the party's national leadership would take a decision on that. "It is the media which is bringing this issue to the forefront. Has the chief minister said that it will be done?," he asked.
Published 10 December 2022, 13:53 IST