BJP to give away surplus votes: home minister

BJP to give away surplus votes: home minister

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jun 9: The BJP plans to give away its surplus votes to independent candidates during the biennial Rajya Sabha elections. Five independent candidates are contesting for four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka. The Congress and the BJP have taken over two candidates each, while Vijaya Mallay, the liquor businessman, is contesting as an independent candidate with the support of the JD(S). 

State Home Minister Dr. V. S. Acharya informed reporters on Wednesday that the BJP had enough surplus votes to ensure the victory of its two candidates. The BJP will be left with 26 surplus votes after ensuring the victory of its two candidates. 

While admitting that a decision regarding the surplus votes has not yet been taken, he said that the BJP will decide whether to share the votes between the two candidates or give them to an independent candidate. This enhances Mr. Mallya’s chances of gaining entry to the Rajya Sabha.  

The last date for withdrawing nominations is June 10. If nobody withdraws, polling will commence on June 17. The nominations of two independent candidates were rejected on Tuesday because no assembly member proposed their names. 

The Congress is sure of winning a seat because of its 74-member strength in the 225-member assembly. A candidate requires 45 first preference votes to win. The Congress has declared that it will not withdraw its second candidate T. V. Maruthi, an entrepreneur, under any circumstances. 

The BJP, with its 116-member strength, and the support of five of the six independent members is sure of winning two seats. Former President of BJP M. Venkaiah Naidu and State Leader Ayanur Manjunatha have filed papers. 

The JD(S) with its 27-member strength in the assembly will support liquor baron Mallya with the hope that one of the independent assembly members will support Mallya too. Mallya also hopes of winning BJP’s surplus votes.