Discussions in Cong to field 7-8 Ministers in Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka, says senior leader Parameshwara
Congress leader and Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there are discussions in the party that seven to eight Ministers should contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka. He, however, said the party will ultimately decide as to who the candidates should be for the 28 Lok Sabha segments.
«There are discussions that seven to eight Ministers should contest, among the Ministers. Whoever agrees in the interest of the party, they will be fielded. There may be some clarity on it after today's meeting (of the screening committee),» Parameshwara told reporters here.
Asked about Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa not willing to contest, he said, «He (Mahadevappa) is saying that he doesn't want to contest and the ticket be given to his son. Party will ultimately decide whether it will be Mahadevappa or his son or someone else. He cannot be pressured if he doesn't want to (contest).»
Efforts are on to pacify those upset or disgruntled about selection of candidates, to ensure that they work in the party's interest, he said, adding that «such things are common during polls.»
Congress has announced candidates for seven seats of Karnataka in the first list
Interestingly, Congress' first list did not have names of any of the ministers and legislators, amid reports that they are reluctant to fight the Lok Sabha polls.
According to party sources, the Congress leadership has been making efforts to convince some ministers and lawmakers to contest, as they have faced problems in identifying winnable candidates
