Karnataka - Hassan   

Ability main criterion for candidate selection: Minister

By Our Staff Correspondent

HASSAN, MARCH 5. The Revenue Minister and district in-charge, H.C. Srikantaiah, said here today that the Congress High Command was in the process of finalising a formula acceptable to all with regard to the nomination of candidates for the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to presspersons, after participating in the district-level Youth Congress workers' meet, he said the party had decided to nominate only those candidates whose winning chances were high and there would be no discrimination between "new entrants" and "old-timers."

To a query on the discontent in the Congress over the admission of leaders from other parties, he said it was natural in any party, but it would not affect the prospects of the Congress at the hustings.

On the differences between the former Holenarsipur MLA, A. Dodde Gowda, and the former MP, G. Puttaswamy Gowda, following the latter's desire to seek election to the Assembly, he said nobody had said that Mr. Dodde Gowda would not get the nomination. What could the party do if he had "his own apprehensions?" he asked.

It was for Mr. Puttaswamy Gowda and Mr. Dodde Gowda to settle their differences, he said.

Mr. Srikantaiah said the party had not yet decided on its candidate for the Hassan Lok Sabha seat. The Minister said he would abide by the decision of the party High Command.

"I will contest the Lok Sabha elections if party asks me to contest," he said.

Earlier addressing the Youth Congress workers, Mr. Srikantaiah said some leaders were deserting the party without any reason. Those who enjoyed power in the Congress had left the party, he said and added that it amounted to nothing less than betrayal.

Mr. Srikantaiah said the party leaders had to heed the workers' views and the latter should abide by the decision of the party High Command.

The Youth Congress workers urged the party leaders to invite Priyanka Gandhi to Hassan district for campaigning.

Party leaders, including the MLC, Mari Thibbe Gowda and the district Youth Congress President, H.K. Mahesh, were present.

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