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The release of the draft reservation, along with the state government’s indication that polls could be held in Jan 2027, has sparked a fierce scramble among ticket aspirants eager to show their strength and influence.
BJP district spokesperson Vasant Kumar claimed the party was gaining ground in rural areas ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. “More people are gravitating towards the BJP as there are strong indications of the party returning to power in 2028.
Forget party workers, even ticket aspirants are ready to switch allegiance if they are offered a ticket,” he said. The draft reservation is expected to remain largely intact, barring minor changes, and the race for party tickets has picked up pace. Prospective candidates are reaching out to voters, rallying supporters and looking for ways to bolster their bargaining power with the party leadership. Aspirants are also using social media platforms to showcase gatherings, public support and their growing clout before party leaders. KPCC spokesperson M Lakshmana voiced concern over the trend, saying grassroots politics was increasingly drifting from its ideological moorings. “Young leaders have no patience. They want tickets even before making any significant contribution to society or the party. They are indulging in such activities. There is no significant movement between the BJP and JD(S) as we are in an alliance,” he added.