Congress to select Karnataka LS poll candidates by Aug 15

Karnataka's ruling Congress Thursday decided to select three probable candidates for each of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state by Aug 15.

The decision was taken at a meeting state unit chief G. Parameshwara had with leaders of the observers' teams he has set up to select the candidates, a party release said.

The teams have been asked to submit, by Aug 15, confidential reports containing among other details the names of the probable candidates, main rivals for the party and major issues in the constituency, the release said.

The state Congress unit wants to complete candidate selection exercise early as Parameshwara believes that Lok Sabha elections could be advanced, though the party central leaders keep saying they will be held when due in April-May 2014.

The KPCC list will be submitted to the party high command for final approval.

Parameshwara also said that a committee will be set up soon to ensure proper coordination between the party and the government in the state.

Such panels will also be set up district levels. The state has 30 districts.