Senior Congress leaders lobbying for kids in Karnataka elections
New Delhi: With the Karnataka elections fast approaching, the Congress high command is in a fix as host of its senior leaders have started lobbying for the party tickets to their children or kin.
Amidst a section of senior leaders pressuring the party top brass to give ticket to only loyal party workers instead of encouraging dynasty culture, a large number of leaders have started knocking senior leaders door in national capital seeking their blessing.
Surprised over many senior politicians demanding tickets to their children or kin, Karnataka incharge General Secretary K C Venugopal was learnt to have conveyed the party top leadership that the issue should be handled carefully.
He also learnt to have said that before giving the ticket to any of the relatives of senior leaders, the party has to analyse the popularity of every candidate in their respective region and winnability chances.
The party entertained every leader’s demand, a large number of young aspirants may desert the organisation, he reportedly told the party leadership here.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah already express his keenness to field his son, Yathindra, either from Chamundeshwari or Varuna constituency, senior leader M Veerappa Moily seeking ticket for his son Harsh Moily from Karkala segment.
Public Works Minister H C Mahadevappa, Urban Development Minister R Roshan Baig, Law Minister T B Jayachandra, Legislative Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad, former Union Minister Margaret Alva, and former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Rahman Khan are also lobbying with the party high command to get ticket for their sons in constituencies of their respective districts.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has been lobbying hard to get ticket for his daughter Sowmya Reddy from Jayanagar seat in Bengaluru city, while K H Muniyappa, Kolar MP, is keen on fielding his daughter Roopakala from KGF constituency. Motamma too has been trying to get ticket for her daughter in Kadur constituency of Chikkamagalur.
Small Scale Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi is trying for party ticket to his brother Lakan Jarkiholi from Yamanakaradi assembly segment.
“Asking ticket for children or kin is not wrong. Ultimately the party leaders will take a call taking into account of winnability,” Moily said.
“It is not who’s relative is contesting, winning the poll and adding the seats are most important,” he added.