Bangalore:
The ruling BJP on Wednesday finalised the names of six candidates for the June 11 biennial election to the Legislative Council and surprised party men by rewarding nomination to a rebel.
BJ Puttaswamy, suspended from the party for trying to contest the recent election to the Rajya Sabha was among the six candidates nominated.
Mr Puttaswamy is a staunch loyalist of former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and his selection is being seen as a victory for his leader.
"The Election Committee that met this morning unanimously selected six candidates to contest the Council polls. The names would be forwarded to the party high command for approval", state BJP president KS Eswarappa told reporters in Bangalore.
The party has decided to renominate Vimala Gowda and DS Veerappa for another term. Others who secured nomination are Somanna Bevinamarada, Bhanu Prakash and Raghunath Rao Malkapure.
Vimala Gowda is currently the Deputy Chairperson of the Upper House.
The Election Committee meeting was attended by Eswarappa, Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, BS Yeddyurappa and national general secretary Anantkumar.
The elections are being held to fill up eleven vacancies caused by the retirement of members.
The last date for filing nominations is June 1.
Congress and JDS are yet to announce their list of candidates.