B.S. Yediyurappa, the Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka, on the 30th of September, announced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will give tickets to 15 disqualified members of opposition parties.
K.R. Ramesh Kumar, the former Assembly Speaker of Karnataka, disqualified 15 rebel Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD[S]) and the Indian National Congress (INC.)
Mr. Yediyurappa stated Amit Shah, the Home Minister of India and the President of the BJP, said it is the responsibility of the BJP to give tickets to the MLAs if they want to contest the Karnataka bypolls.
Yediyurappa, on the 30th of September, addressed the media and said, “By elections are coming up, dates have been announced for 15 seats, Amit Shah has said that those who have resigned and want to contest from BJP, all of them will be given seats (tickets), it is our responsibility.” He further said, “If you desire to contest from our Party, priority will be given to you in making you, candidates. BJP karyakartas and leaders will take responsibility for your victory.”
However, this announcement of the Karnataka CM created differences within the Party. While some BJP members support the decision of Yediyurappa, some are disappointed and are opposing the same.
Umesh Katti, a senior member of the BJP, said the Party should give a ticket to those members who were loyal to the Party and worked hard to build the BJP. He further added the disqualified MLAs “will have to find their way.”
The Karnataka bypolls for 15 Assembly seats are scheduled to be held on the 5th of December and the results will be announced on the 9th of December.
Stay tuned for further updates.
