Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said that the only criteria for ticket distribution is winnability of the candidate.
“Winnability is the biggest criteria. You have seen in Karnataka that a 90-year old candidate contested election and won it. That's why ticket will be given those who can win,” he said.
The sentiments are not in line with the Udaipur Declaration which states that 50% of the seats would be reserved for candidates below 50 years.
Gehlot, who is on a mission for a repeat of Congress government, is ready to give away ‘one for everyone'. He has declared many a times, Tum maangte maangte thak jaoge, main deta hua nahin thakunga.”
According to sources, the ruling Congress is likely to declare candidates on 20% seats before code of conduct.
“This time Congress wants to make the most of uncertainty in BJP. Even corporators or members of district council can claim ticket, the only condition is their chance of winning,” said a senior Congress leader.
He said that the party is thinking of dropping 50% of sitting MLAs and 4-5 ministers for a better winning chance in the assembly polls.
“An internal assessment says that people are upset with sitting MLAs. If they are repeated, chances of party will become bleak. Party is open to field even those candidates who have lost couple of times in previous elections but are on strong wicket this time,” the leader said.
The final verdict, however, will be given by party high command on ticket distribution.
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