The campaigning for the high stakes 224-member Karnataka assembly election came to an end on Monday as both Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress went all out to woo the voters in the southern state. The high octane campaigning saw both sides hurling abuses and allegations of corruption against each other ahead of the May 10 polls, which will determine the way the wind is blowing ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha election next year. 


The BJP — which considers that state as the ‘gateway to the south’ — saw its top leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president JP Nadda, Union ministers Amit Shah, Smriti Irani, and Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma among others visit the state for campaigning. 


Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and others also campaigned for the party in the southern state. 


The campaigning was marked by name-calling, accusations. Here are some of the major happenings during the campaigning for Karnataka elections 2023. 


Kharge’s ‘Modi Poisonous Snake’ Remark


Addressing a poll rally in Kalaburagi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "PM Modi is like a 'poisonous snake', you might think it’s poison or not. If you lick it, you’re dead." The Congress president later took back his words after criticism from BJP leaders. 


BJP MLA's 'Vishkanya' Remark On Sonia Gandhi


Reacting to Kharge’s “poisonous Modi” remark, BJP MLA Basanagouda Yatnal called Congress MP and former party president Sonia Gandhi a “Vishkanya” (venomous maiden) while addressing a public meeting at Ron in Gadag district which drew flak from Congress demanding the legislator's dismissal. 


Priyank Kharge Calls PM Modi ‘Nalayak Beta’ 


Targeting PM Modi over Banjara community’s resentment on Karnataka government’s announcement of internal reservation to Scheduled Castes, Priyank Kharge called PM Modi "nalayak beta" (useless son). 


“When you came to Gulbarga, you told the Banjara community not to worry. You told them the son of Banjaras is sitting in Delhi.”


“If there is such a nalayak (useless) beta, how will the house run? After saying he is the son of the Banjara community, he created reservation troubles for the Banjara community,” he added.


Congress Promises Ban On Bajrang Dal In Poll Manifesto 


The Congress party, while releasing its manifesto for the May 10 polls promised it will ban right-wing outfit Bajrang Dal, if voted to power. The opposition Congress said it was committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste and religion.


In the manifesto, Congress said: "We believe that law and Constitution is sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities. We will take decisive action as per law including imposing a ban on such organisations".


The announcement was met with widespread protests by the members of the outfit. 


BJP Promises Uniform Civil Code In Poll Manifesto 


Among the poll promises, BJP included implementation of Uniform Civil Code in Karnataka and to improve "ease of living" of apartment dwellers by constituting the Karnataka Residents’ Welfare Consultative Committee to reform the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act, 1972 and to modernise the grievance redressal mechanism.


The party also promised to provide three free cooking gas cylinders to all the families below poverty line (BPL), one each during the months of Yugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Deepavali. It will also launch ‘Poshana’ scheme through which every BPL household will be provided with half-litre Nandini milk every day and five kilograms of Shri Anna - siri dhanya through monthly ration kits.


Congress Promises 200 Units Free Electricity 


Congress, in its manifesto, promised 200 units of free electricity and Rs 2,000 every month to each and every woman head of the family. 


Allowances for unemployed youths, free travel for women in regular KSRTC/BMTC buses, development of SCs and STs, and a ban on Bajrang Dal and PFI.


Bommai’s 40% Commission Govt Remark By Congress 


Congress put up a "rate card" of alleged BJP corruption in Karnataka and advertised the same in local newspapers. Scaling up its attack on the ruling BJP, the Congress alleged that the Karnataka Chief Minister's post was up for grabs for Rs 2500 crores and the rate of ministerial posts is Rs 500 crores. The image also features figures for "Appointment and Transfer Rates", "Job Rates", and alleged commission for government deals.


Congress’ ‘Karnataka Sovereignty’ Remark 


After a rally by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Hubbali, the Congress party tweeted, "CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji sends a strong message to 6.5 crore Kannadigas: The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity,” which drew flak from BJP.  


BJP Demands EC To Derecognise Congress 


Irked by Congress’ tweet after Sonia Gandhi’s rally, the BJP asked the Election Commission to derecognise the grand old party and alleged that she is heading the 'tukde-tukde' gang.