Trouble is brewing in Congress as leaders, who have failed to get party tickets in some segments for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections, are weighing their political options and making no secret of their anger.
In Bhadravathi of Shimoga district, sitting MLA B K Sangamesh today expressed dismay over denial of Congress ticket. "What crime have I committed?" he asked.
The party overlooked him and announced the candidature of C M Ibrahim, said to be a follower of Siddaramaiah (Leader of Opposition) camp, in his place. "People of the constituency are telling me to contest as an Independent. It's certain that I will contest elections," Sangamesh said.
After pressure from Kannada film veteran M H Ambareesh, who threatened not to file nomination from Mandya where he was alloted ticket, the Congress replaced its candidate Ravindra Srikantaiah in Srirangapatna with his favourite Lingaraju.
The Congress decision to give tickets to sitting independents D Sudhakar (Hiriyur) and P M Narendraswamy (Malavalli) ignoring the concerns of the local party unit has fuelled heartburn among sections of Congressmen there.
The party's move to field Rajya Sabha MP Anil Lad from Bellary city has also led to dissatisfaction among other ticket aspirants as well as a section of the party.
The Congress was flooded with applications from ticket aspirants, a fact which its leaders have pointed was natural as the party is seen to be coming to power.
Ruling BJP is in disarray following desertion of some 30 MLAs, allegation of corruption and infighting.
"It's not possible to satisfy every body," a Congress leader said. Some poll surveys suggested recently that the Congress is on its way to form the next government.
