BJP aims to win majority in K’taka MLC elections, JD(S), likely to back

Bengaluru : Nov 22, 2012 - The ruling BJP of Karnataka is aiming for a majority at the Legislative Council Elections scheduled for December 10.

S., former Chief Minister Yediyurappa appealed already to JD(S), leaders to vote for BJP candidates.As November 23rd (Tuesday), is the last day to submit nominations, things are heating up.While the BJP announced its nominees, the Congress and JD(S), are expected to announce their candidates by Monday.Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Jan Swaraj Yatra has been completed across the entire state.Top leaders, including Yediyurappa, Jagadish Shettar, D.V.Sadananda Gowda, along with cabinet ministers, visited the state in order to support the party and mobilize workers for the elections.On the other side, the Congress is launching scathing criticisms at the BJP for the Bitcoin scandal.

Although the JD(S), hasnt made an open statement about this, sources claim that the party, which is now the Speaker in Council with support from the BJP is very likely to be backing the saffron parties.The magic number 38 is required to achieve a majority within the council of 75 members.Currently, the BJP has 32 members.

The Congress 29, and the JD(S) 12 are the other largest parties.The BJP is currently the largest party with 32 members, the Congress 29 and the JD(S 12 respectively.

However, the JD(S still holds the office of Speaker within the Council thanks to the support from the saffron parties.As many as 20 Local Authorities have constituencies that are part of the Legislative Council, 25 of them will be elected to the Council.

The term of their current members expires on January 5, 2022.To win a majority, the BJP must win at least 12 seats.

After the defeat of the Hangal party by-polls, Chief Minister Basavaraj Boommai feels immense pressure to win the majority vote in Council elections.The BJP could gain power without relying on other parties if it is elected to power.

There are slim chances that the Congress will win a majority.The Congress has been slow to select candidates.

Therefore, JD(S), which is expected to only field winning candidates but support the BJP in all other constituencies, is taking time.mka/svn/b #majority #Ktaka.