Karnataka BJP to correct ‘past mistakes’ before Lok Sabha elections

Bengaluru: BJP leaders on Friday brainstormed strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and pledged not to repeat the “mistakes” made during the assembly elections, especially on the sensitive issue of SC, ST and OBC quota.

The previous BJP government led by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had categorized quotas for these communities, but it proved unproductive as the saffron party could win only 66 assembly seats. The leaders made several suggestions, including resolving differences that could hamper the party’s chances of winning 28 seats in the state alliance with the JDS.

In the meeting chaired by BJP state president BY Vijayendra, Karnataka election in-charge Radha Mohan Aggarwal received suggestions from party leaders and promised to forward them to the party high command.
Later, BJP state general secretary P Rajeev told reporters that they held in-depth discussions on each Lok Sabha constituency. He said that there is a report of JDS-BJP alliance winning 28 seats.
The party also decided that four teams will be formed which will go on a statewide tour next week. The cluster phase tour has started with former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan taking charge of the Kalaburagi cluster. Different leaders will be appointed for different clusters.

Will Dr. CN Manjunath be selected for Bengaluru Rural?
A source said some BJP leaders suggested that Dr CN Manjunath, former director of Jaydev Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, should be fielded from the Bengaluru Rural seat. But Rajiv clarified that the party high command will take a decision in this regard.