Karnataka: BJP Mulls Fielding Former CMs Bommai, Shettar In Lok Sabha Polls, Eyes Lingayat Vote Ahead of Elections

In a bid to secure a strong foothold in Karnataka ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is reportedly considering fielding two of its former Chief Ministers, Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar, both from the influential Lingayat community.

The decision, yet to be finalised, follows discussions between senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda as per a report by The New Indian Express.

According to the same report, Bommai, currently an MLA from Shiggaon, may contest from Haveri, while Shettar is likely to be fielded from Belgaum (Belagavi). The BJP aims to replace the current MP, Mangala Angadi, with a stronger candidate to retain the seat.

Both Bommai and Shettar, being Lingayats, are crucial for the BJP, as the community's slight shift away from the party in the last assembly polls was a contributing factor to its defeat.

The BJP also plans to discuss seat-sharing with its ally, JD(S), with Modi and Shah having the final say. JD(S) is expected to contest in three seats—Mandya, Hassan, and Kolar.

The BJP's objective is to replicate or surpass its 2019 Lok Sabha performance when it won 25 out of 28 seats in the state.