Party has ignored BCs in candidates' choice, ex-BJP MP

"I am unable to understand why the selection of a person, who is total stranger to the constituency has been made. No reason has been made out for the decision. This constituency is a strong turf of the Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Under the circumstances, the party should be selected the right person," he said amply giving expression to his disappointment.

"The party has not given any representation to backward classes in its choice of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in the state. It was expected that at least this constituency would get that representation. Even this has been denied to them," Vijayashankar, a strong contender for the party ticket rued.

"It would have been otherwise, if the party had chosen a national level-leader. But this choice would affect the party workers' morale and unity in the district," he added.

Vijayashankar also made it clear he would not contest from Hassan as suggested by the party as Mysore was his home turf as MP twice. He would work as an ordinary worker, he said.

During their protest yesterday, party workers demanded withdrawal of Simha's choice and ticket to a local candidate. They described the present choice of the party behind which is said to be the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), would affect the prospects of the party in the constituency.

They described the Bangalore journalist as a total stranger and unknown to even activists. Though party workers are sore, RSS activists and leaders of the two districts, Mysore and Kodagu, will strongly back Simha's selection, it is said.

Names of former Minister and ex-MP HP Vijayashankar and Kodagu leader Appachhu Ranjan were doing the rounds and party workers expected the ticket to be given to one of them with former minister Shoba Karandlaje, a close confidant of former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, not willing to contest from Mysore.

Janata Dal (S) is yet to name its nominee, while the Aam Admi Party is also expected to have a candidate.