Karnataka elections 2023: Why Modi is not impressed with BJP candidates' list

With less than a month to go for the next assembly elections in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is yet to release its first list of candidates contesting the polls.

Its rivals Indian National Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) have already released their initial list of candidates for the elections to be held for the 224-member assembly.

But why is the BJP, which is led by prime minister Narendra Modi and is in power in several states in the country, is delaying the release?

India Today have reported citing sources that prime minister Narendra Modi and the BJP's top command have expressed concerns that the party's Karnataka unit is not in sync with its ethos and an overhaul was required to bring in new faces and ensure that the saffron party's aspirational goals were served.

It was also said that Modi was reportedly unhappy along with the high command about the first list of candidates that were put before them at the Central Election Committee meeting. It was deemed to be a status quo and the prime minister asked the party to reassess it again and come back with fresh faces and set certain parameters, the news outlet cited the sources as saying.

Modi, who attended the BJP's central election committee meeting for the 2023 Karnataka elections at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Sunday (9), insisted that the candidates picked should not have any charges of corruption against their names while motormouths should not be encouraged, the sources added.

The top leadership also felt that those candidates who have a stay order on sex tapes should be avoided.

Former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar, for instance, said that the central leadership asked him to make way for others, giving indication that he would be overlooked for the upcoming elections. Shettar was reportedly hurt by the decision, News18 reported.

In Shivamogga, veteran BJP leader KS Eshwarappa has decided not to contest the election this year. Since the decision came just a month ahead of the election, was it the party which had advised him against contesting? There could be two reasons for that. First, the veteran leader is facing corruption charges and secondly, he will turn 75 in June, which is the unofficial age bar for leaders in the saffron party to contest polls and hold posts.

The party also decided to drop a state lawmaker from Bengaluru and Mysuru each, the sources added.

Since the BJP leadership has always been vocal against dynastic politics, it has reportedly discouraged father-son duos contesting in the elections. According to sources, parliamentarians who had their sons aiming state lawmaker's seats were being asked to retire in 2024.

First list to come out after final discussion with Amit Shah: Karnataka CM

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (11), Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said the BJP will announce its first list featuring more than 175 candidates following a final discussion with home minister Amit Shah once he returns to New Delhi.

Bommai, along with state party leaders, had a meeting with the BJP's national president J P Nadda at the latter's residence in the national capital.

After the meeting, Bommai told reporters, "Today we had a final meeting. Probably, the home minister will have an internal meeting with national leaders after reaching Delhi. They will announce the first list soon."

Two lists of candidates will be announced. In the first list, more than 175 candidates will be cleared, he added.

Shah is currently on a visit to northeast India.

(With PTI inputs)