Kolkata, Oct. 26 -- Amid speculation that the BJP may field "untainted yet experienced" former TMC councillors in the upcoming municipal elections, state president Samik Bhattacharya said the party had largely finalised its candidates, signalling that former TMC councillors may not get tickets.
The BJP has reportedly shortlisted 22 former TMC councillors as potential candidates for the upcoming KMC elections, despite state president Samik Bhattacharya repeatedly asserting that no former TMC member would be given a ticket.
The preliminary list includes seven councillors from North Kolkata, 12 from South Kolkata and three from the Jadavpur-Tollygunge areas. Among them are reportedly four former Mayor-in-Council members and three former borough chairpersons.
Amid concerns over the BJP's ability to run the civic body and possible resentment among grassroots workers, party MLA and election committee member Ritesh Tiwari has said existing BJP workers would receive full priority in candidate selection.
Meanwhile, Bhattacharya's remarks on applications submitted through party drop boxes have fuelled speculation about the final list. He indicated that the selection process was largely complete, describing the drop boxes as a means of providing news to the media. Several prospective candidates have reportedly submitted applications.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.