Introduction:
In India, the candidates for contesting elections are chosen by the top party leadership. This process involves a hierarchical decision-making structure within political parties, where the leaders have the authority to select and nominate candidates for elections.

Explanation:
The process of selecting candidates in India involves several steps and considerations. Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Role of Members and Supporters:
- Members and supporters of a political party play a significant role in the election process.
- They may provide inputs, suggestions, and recommendations regarding potential candidates.
- However, the final decision-making authority lies with the top party leadership.

2. Authority of Top Party Leadership:
- The top party leadership, including the party president, central executive committee, or parliamentary board, holds the power to choose candidates.
- This leadership is responsible for making strategic decisions to ensure the party's success in elections.
- They consider various factors such as candidate's popularity, electability, past performance, loyalty to the party, and regional factors while making their choices.

3. Screening and Selection Process:
- To select candidates, the top party leadership may establish a screening committee or a panel of senior leaders.
- This committee evaluates potential candidates based on their credentials and suitability.
- They may conduct interviews, collect feedback from party members, and analyze the candidate's track record before making a final decision.

4. Party Primaries:
- Some political parties in India also conduct internal party primaries to involve party members in the candidate selection process.
- Primaries allow party members to vote and choose their preferred candidate from a list of contestants.
- However, it is important to note that not all parties follow this practice, and the final decision still rests with the top party leadership.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the candidates for contesting elections in India are chosen by the top party leadership. While members and supporters may have some influence in the decision-making process, the ultimate authority lies with the party leadership. They consider various factors, conduct screenings, and make strategic choices to field candidates who they believe will have the best chance of winning the elections.