Bhatkal: In a move reflecting its strategy of introducing fresh faces, the BJP has decided not to field former Union Minister and Uttar Kannada MP Anantkumar Hegde in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Instead, the party has nominated former Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kagiri as its candidate for the Uttara Kannada Constituency.

Unveiling its second list of candidates for four constituencies in Karnataka on Sunday, the BJP replaced Hegde with Kagiri.

Notably, Anantkumar Hegde has been known for making controversial statements, including remarks about changing the Constitution and converting mosques into temples. This move comes amid discontent among voters in the Uttara Kannada MP constituency, particularly due to the lack of development projects despite Hegde's five-term tenure, resulting in a developmental lag compared to neighboring districts.

Meanwhile, Vishweshwar Hegde Kagiri had faced defeat in the 2023 assembly elections from the Sirsi assembly constituency.

In addition to Kagiri being fielded in Uttara Kannada, the BJP has nominated former chief minister Jagdish Shettar from Belagavi. Furthermore, former Minister K. Sudhakar, who previously lost in the Assembly elections, has been selected for Chickballapur. It's worth noting that incumbent MP B. N. Bache Gowda recently disassociated from the BJP and formally resigned from the party.

The BJP's candidate for Chitradurga, currently represented by Union Minister of State A Narayanaswamy, remains undisclosed as of now. However, Raja Amreshwar Naik has been renominated for Raichur.

With this announcement, the BJP has finalized candidates for all Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka except one. The party will be contesting in 25 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats, while its ally Janata Dal (S) will field candidates in three constituencies. The JD(S) is expected to unveil its first list of candidates on Monday.

In the first list, the BJP changed candidates in nine constituencies, with three more changes made in the second list.