Mysore/Mysuru, Jan. 12 -- Even with nearly 28 months to go for the Assembly elections, the battle lines for the BJP ticket from the Chamaraja Assembly Constituency are already clearly drawn, with aspirants openly staking claim and taking the fight to the media.

Amidst this growing churn, several BJP aspirants called on the Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, R. Ashoka, during his visit to the city yesterday, fuelling speculation about early lobbying for the prized ticket.

Though the aspirants maintained cordial appearances during face-to-face meetings, the underlying tensions were unmistakable.

The leaders later joined Ashoka for a 'high tea' meeting at a private hotel on Dewan's Road, where political signals were read into...