LS elections over, Cong-BJP in Karna now focus on assembly

With polls ending for all 28 LoK Sabha constituencies in Karnataka, Congress and BJP turned their focus Thursday on finalising candidates for Chincholi and Kundgol assembly constituencies for the May 19 by-elections.

BJP held its core committee meeting under theleadership of state chief B S Yeddyurappa to finalise itscandidates for both the assembly segments.

Pradesh Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao too held meetings to discuss the preparations for the by-election and selection of candidates.

Congress and JD(S) have decided to go to polls together by fielding a consensus candidate from the grand old party, as both seats were held by it.

The outcome of by-polls along with Lok Sabha resultsis crucial for the ruling Congress-JD(S) alliance as it would have a bearing on the longevity of the coalition government, triggering the number game in the assembly.

By-poll to Chincholi was necessitated as Umesh Jadhav quit as Congress MLA and joined the BJP to contest Lok Sabha pollsfrom Gulbarga, while Kundgol seat fell vacant following thedeath of MLA and Minister C S Shivalli.

The last date to file nomination is on April 29.

Speaking to reporters after the core committee meeting Yeddyurappa said, "We have recommended one name each for boththe constituencies to Delhi (party central leadership) afterdiscussion.

It will be finalized tomorrow and from Delhi the candidates will be announced. We will win both the seats andwe are making all preparations."