BJP picks Balaraj for Chamarajanagar LS seat
The Hindu
BJP surprises with Chamarajanagar ticket to S. Balaraj over Prasad's family, aiming to retain Congress stronghold.
Amidst intense lobbying for the ticket from the sons-in-law of Chamarajanagar MP V. Srinivas Prasad, the BJP leadership has announced a ticket to S. Balaraj, former MLA from Kollegal assembly constituency in the district, for Chamarajanagar (SC) constituency.
Mr. Balaraj’s candidature was announced in the second list of candidates the party released on Wednesday evening.
The announcement came as a surprise for many in the party circles.
Considered a loyalist of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Mr. Balaraj had joined the BJP, quitting the Congress after he was denied the party ticket to contest from Kollegal in last year’s assembly elections. Mr. Balaraj was confident of getting the ticket despite two aspirants from Mr. Prasad’s family.
The sons-in-law of Mr. Prasad – Mohan and former Nanjangud MLA Harshavardhan – were eyeing the ticket with Mr. Prasad, a prominent leader in the region, announcing to retire from electoral politics.
In view of intense lobbying within the family, State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra had recently met Mr. Prasad and apparently discussed the ticket issue although he described the visit as a “courtesy meeting”.
Nevertheless, the party has refused to consider ticket for the family members of Mr. Prasad.
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