Karnataka Election Live: 'Dream Of Every Kannadiga Is My Own Dream,' Says PM Modi A Day Before Voting
Karnataka Elections 2023 Live: Hello and welcome to ABP Live Karnataka Elections 2023 Live Blog, follow this space for all the latest updates and breaking news on Karnataka Elections 2023.
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Karnataka Elections 2023 Live: Hello and welcome to ABP Live Karnataka Elections 2023 Live Blog, follow this space for all the latest updates and breaking news on Karnataka Elections 2023....More
Union Minister and BJP MP from Dharwad constituency, Pralhad Joshi along with members of VHP recite Hanuman Chalisa in Hanuman temple located in Nagashetti Koppa, Hubballi of Karnataka.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai along with his supporters recite Hanuman Chalisa at Hanuman Mandir in Hubbali's Vijay Nagar.
Union Minister & BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje chants 'Jai Shri Ram' at Vir Anjaneya temple in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
This comes in the backdrop of the Congress Karnataka election manifesto mentioning banning rightwing outfits like Bajrang Dal.
In a video message ahead of the Karnataka assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said, "The dream of every Kannadiga is my own dream. Your resolution is my resolution. We want Karnataka to be number one in investment, industries, education and employment. For making Karnataka number one, I request you all to cast your vote as responsible citizens.
In protest against Congress after they promised a state-wide ban on Bajrang Dal if voted to power, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced that on May 9, both VHP and Bajrang Dal members will collectively recite the Hanuman Chalisa across the country.
Reacting to Amit Shah's statement on 4 per cent Muslim reservation in Karnataka, state Congress chief DK Shivakumar says "don't have tp learn about reservation and Constitution from Amit Shah."
The Union minister earlier today said that the 4 per cent Muslim reservation in Karnataka, introduced by Congress, was unconstitutional.
The campaigning has now come to an end for the May 10 Karnataka polls. Top leaders of the BJP including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda visited the state for campaigning.
PM Modi held 19 poll rallies and 6 road shows.
BJP national president JP Nadda held 10 public rallies and 16 road shows.
Home minister Amit Shah attended 16 rallies and 15 road shows.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Karnataka for 9 rallies and three road shows and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for 15 rallies and one road show.
Union minister Smriti Irani did 17 17 rallies and two road shows, Rajnath Singh addressed 4, Nitin Gadkari 3, Devendra Fadnavis 13, Shivraj Singh Chouhan 6, and Nirmala Sitharaman addressed 8 meetings.
The election campaigning for 224-member Karnataka Assembly has now come to an end. As per the Model Code of Conduct, poll campaigning concludes 48 hours before the day of polling. The state will undergo polls on May 10 and the votes will be counted on May 13.
The election campaigning for 224-member Karnataka Assembly has now come to an end. As per the Model Code of Conduct, poll campaigning concludes 48 hours before the day of polling. The state will undergo polls on May 10 and the votes will be counted on May 13.
My only appeal to brothers and sisters in Karnataka is that please vote for stability and development. I appeal that please don’t vote for BJP. They are dangerous, says West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
BJP president JP Nadda reacts to Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi's ‘Karnataka sovereignty’ remark; saying, "...this is a result of Congress party's mental bankruptcy. To say anything for the sake of votes is condemnable...They have always stood with 'Tukde Tukde' gang. Those who stand with such people will use such words."
On the issue of a threat to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and his family, Karnataka Congress leader Ramesh Babu said, "On behalf of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, we have filed a Police complaint before DG & IG of the state. Two days back, one audio went viral in Karnataka wherein one BJP candidate contesting in Chittapur made a statement that he is going to eliminate the family of Mallikarjun Kharge.
"He made such statements a year back too. That time also we complained to the Police. So far they have not taken any action against the culprit. So, we have filed a complaint. We requested the DG & IG to conduct the enquiry, take action and arrest Manikanta Rathod. We also request the Police to provide proper security to Mallikarjun Kharge & his family," he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said, "There is no provision for reservation on the basis of religion in our Constitution."
In an interview to ANI, he said, "I have toured all regions of Karnataka and we can witness eagerness for a double-engine government in the state. This will get converted to votes for the party."
Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa said, "100 percent Lingayat Community is with us. Congress is trying their level best to create some problems but almost all Lingayats Swamis are with us and told me that they will support BJP."
A BJP delegation meets Election Commission (EC) in Delhi.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said, "She (Sonia Gandhi) deliberately used the word sovereignty. Congress manifesto is the agenda of the 'Tukde-Tukde' gang and hence they are using such words. We hope EC will take action against this anti-national act."
Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa on Monday said, "Prime Minister Modi and HM Amit Shah did roadshows and rallies to understand the situation of the state. I am confident that we will win 135 seats in the Karnataka Assembly Election. Congress is a drowning ship, its leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra won only 2-3 seats in UP even after campaigning for 4-5 months."
BJP files complaint against Sonia Gandhi to EC over her Hubbali speech.
Union minister and BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje said, "Today we gave a complaint against Sonia Gandhi to Election Commission. She gave a speech in Hubbali in which she talked about the sovereignty of Karnataka. We use sovereignty for the country. She is heading the 'Tukde-Tukde' gang. We demanded that FIR should be registered against her."
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addresses the public in Kalaburagi South, Karnataka.
Priyanka Gandhi holds a massive roadshow in Vijayanagar, Karnataka.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacts with women in BMTC bus regarding free travel guarantee by his party in Karnataka.
Party leader Randeep Surjewala tweeted and said, "@RahulGandhi in BMTC - the free bus travel guarantee for women has created a buzz among people. Our leader today spoke to them about 5 Guarantees and the women told him that the ₹1000+ for the free bus ride they will save matters a lot! Also, Grih Lakshmi ₹2,000 is a solid assistance of caring and sharing.
It was emotionally touching.
Congress Guarantees will change lives. CHANGE IS HERE! CONGRESS IS HERE!"
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is scheduled to attend public meetings in Kalaburagi South and Bellary.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi is scheduled to attend roadshows in Chickpet and Vijayanagar today.
The last leg of campaigning in Karnataka will take place on Monday with parties putting in their efforts for the May 10 election battle.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds a roadshow in Mahadevapura.
PM Narendra Modi addresses a public gathering in Sivamogga. He said, "We conducted the roadshow early as there was a NEET exam today. No political party dares to conduct or address any rally or public meeting so early."
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi rides a scooter with a delivery boy in Bengaluru.
BJP national president JP Nadda holds a roadshow at Harapanahalli in Vijaynagar district, Karnataka.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant addresses people in Belagavi, Karnataka. He says, "Congress is dividing people in the name of caste and religion but we are asking people to vote for us in the lines of development and people will vote for us."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is addressing a rally in Hunagunda, Karnataka.
He said, "BJP has strengthened the security of the nation by banning the PFI, but the Congress party is against it... BJP will neither allow Muslim reservations nor will allow Lingayat reservations to be reduced in the state."
"Himanta Biswa Sarma changed his party. No one is greedy as much as he is. Congress party has given him the identity... What is his morality to accuse Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi," says Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel in Bengaluru after Sarma said 'who will take Rahul Gandhi's guarantee?'
Congress leader Jagadish Shettar exudes confidence in winning elections.
He said, "This time, people's blessings are with me. More people are coming to support me. So, I will win by a huge margin. Sonia Gandhi's and Rahul Gandhi's presence has definitely given us a boost."
Congress MLA Priyank Kharge speaks on a threat to his family from BJP candidate from Chittapur constituency Manikant Rathod.
He said, "Let BJP clarify, let them investigate. If he (BJP candidate Manikanta Rathod) has not done anything, why is he afraid of an investigation? I am not the one who is alleging that he is plotting to kill my family, he has already said in a press conference in November that he intends to shoot me..."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his roadshow from Bengaluru's Kempegowda statue at New Tippasandra Road to Trinity Circle.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Rahul Gandhi in Mangaluru, Karnataka.
He said, "Rahul Gandhi is giving guarantees to the people of Karnataka, but who will take the guarantee of Rahul Gandhi...Sonia Gandhi has been fighting alone for the last 20 years to make Rahul Gandhi stand, now this person (Rahul Gandhi) comes and gives guarantees to the people of Karnataka?"
Union Home Minister Amir Shah holds roadshow in Belagavi South Assembly constituency.
Karnataka Election Live: Prime Minister Modi Begins Roadshow In Bengaluru
Karnataka Veerashaiva Lingayat forum issued an official letter extending its support to Congress in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections on May 10. Forum urged the people of the Lingayat community to vote for Congress, reports ANI.
People gather in huge numbers to attend the roadshow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
After doing a 26-km long roadshow in Bengaluru yesterday, PM Narendra Modi will today again hold a roadshow in the state capital.
The Congress general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will arrive in Karnataka's Mangaluru for the election campaign on Sunday (May 7), according to the party. According to Congress leader Manjunath Bhandary, she will address a public meeting at the Kolnad grounds in Mulki.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot demanded on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi be barred from campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka. At a press conference here, he claimed that Modi was seeking votes in the southern state based on religion.
"In violation of the Election Commission's guidelines, Modi is seeking votes based on religion." "He should be barred from campaigning for office," Gehlot said.
READ MORE | 'Read The Law...': Ashok Gehlot Urges Poll Body To Ban PM Modi From Campaigning In Karnataka
Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a Shiv Sena leader, will campaign for the BJP in the Karnataka assembly elections on May 10. PTI reported citing party sources, he will arrive in the state on Monday and take part in two BJP roadshows in Kapu and Udupi town.
Shinde will pay a visit to the Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple before arriving in Udupi. He will then meet the Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala temple, Veerendra Hegde, they said. According to BJP sources, the chief minister will also visit the Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi before returning to Maharashtra on Monday. (PTI Input)
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Saturday, while addressing a public rally at Karnataka's Hubballi said: "Bharat Jodo Yatra was done against people who do only one work which is spreading hatred. Such people can never bring any development in Karnataka. BJP got perturbed by Bharat Jodo Yatra. The people of BJP don't give reply to any questions. They think democratic principles are in their pockets. Does democracy work like this?" she was quoted as saying by News agency ANI.
According to the ABP-Cvoter Opinion Poll results, the following are the expected vote shares of various parties on the day of the Karnataka elections:
Total Seats 224
BJP - 36 per cent
Congress - 40 per cent
JDS - 16 per cent
Others – 08 per cent
According to the ABP Cvoter Opinion Poll results, the following outcomes are possible on Karnataka election day:
Total number of seats: 224
BJP - 73 to 85 seats
Congress - 110 to 122 seats
JDS - 21 to 29 seats
Others- 02 to 06 seats
Win in Karnataka will open doors for party for Lok Sabha polls, people of state will give a message to country: Congress's D K Shivakumar to PTI.
"Congress is playing with Hindu faith by talking about banning Bajrang Dal," says Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath in Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is addressing a public gathering in Belagavi, Karnataka.
He said, "Congress party insulted Lord Bajarang Bali. No one has trust in Rahul Gandhi's guarantees. They were defeated in states like Tripura, Assam, and Nagaland. It's BJP who banned PFI and gave ration to the public, gave water facilities and health facilities. The double-engine government has worked for the benefit of the people."
"We will take the matter seriously. We will inquire into the whole thing and the law will take its action," says Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Congress alleging that BJP has hatched a plot to murder their party president Mallikarjun Kharge and his entire famil.
"DK Shivakumar is a family member of Tipu Sultan. If Congress will regain power, Karnataka will become a PFI valley," says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in Gonikoppa, Karnataka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Bengaluru, ahead of Karnataka elections
In a shocking allegation against the BJP, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "BJP leaders are now hatching a plot to murder Mallikarjun Kharge and his family members. This is now clear from the recording of BJP's candidate from Chittapur who also happens to be the blue-eyed boy of PM Modi and CM Bommai."
Congress MP KC Venugopal took a jibe at PM Modi and said, "The basic issue in this election is, in the last 3 years the state has lost governance. They (BJP) know that people here realise that the most corrupt govt Karanatak has ever seen is this govt. This is the reason why the PM is not uttering a single word over corruption, he is just trying to divert the issues. Karnataka needs good governance for the people here, for the farmers, youth and women, which we are going to provide..."
We will consult with senior advocates and file a defamation suit against them for the fake ad: Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa on the recent newspaper ads by Congress party.
PM Narendra Modi will begin his election campaign in Karnataka today with a 26-km long roadshow in Bengaluru.
Samajwadi Party's national president Akhilesh Yadav's election campaign program in Karnataka will be from May 5 to May 7.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati will address a rally in Bengaluru on May 5 ahead of the Karnataka elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address large public meetings in Bellary at 2 pm and in Tumkur Dehat at 4.30 pm on Friday.
Congress files one more complaint with ECI to take action against BJP's KS Eshwarappa for "burning Congress manifesto" and against PM Narendra Modi "for hurting sentiments".
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said, "Congress party is trying to divide the people of the country on the basis of religion for votes. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi whether Bajrang Dal is anti-national? Is Bajrang Dal a terrorist organization? You want to come to power only for Muslim votes in the name of Bajrang Dal and by dividing people in the name of religion."
At 7 pm tomorrow, BJP workers will recite Hanuman Chalisa across Karnataka, says BJP leader and Union minister Shobha Karandlaje. Her statement comes after Congress announced that it will ban Bajrang Dal if it came to power.
Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi to debut in the campaign for Karnataka Elections 2023 on May 6. She will be addressing a rally in Hubbali district.
The Election Commission has issued a notice to Congress leader Priyank Kharge over 'nalayak beta (worthless son)' remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
BJP leader & Union minister Shobha Karandlaje says that the party has filed a complaint with EC against Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar for allegedly threatening police officers. The BJP has also complained against Zameer Khan, a Congress leader from Bidar, for allegedly insulting the national flag by draping it over a podium.
Reacting to Congress stating in its manifesto that the party will form a State Education Policy to reject the National Education Policy (NEP), BJP chief JP Nadda says, "Congress party has always put the brakes on development. They have always put up obstacles to development."
PM Narendra Modi at Ankola in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, said, "During the Congress JD (S) government, 30,000 crores of foreign investment (FDI) used to come annually. Investment increased to 90,000 thousand crores annually in 3 years after the formation of the double engine government."
BJP national president JP Nadda holds roadshow in Harohalli, Ramanagara
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Indi, Vijayapura said, "In the last three and a half years, they (BJP) have looted Rs 1.5 lakh crore from Karnataka. With that money, they could have built 100 AIIMS hospitals, 30,000 smart classrooms and houses for 30 lakh poor people. Today they cannot talk about your issues in front of you, so every day they raise some new issue which has nothing to do with your development."
PM Narendra Modi will hold two rallies on May 5 and two roadshows on May 6. He will also hold rallies in Badami, Haveri, Shimoga and Nanjangudu on May 7.
On May 7, the PM will pay obeisance and worship at Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple in Nanjangudu.
Police detain Bajrang Dal members protesting against Congress' Karnataka election manifesto, in front of party office in Hyderabad. The Congress has announced a ban on Bajrang Dal on the lines of PFI in its Karnataka Election 2023 manifesto.
Congress President Malikarjun Kharge on Wednesday denied to comment on the increasing attack on the party's 'Bajrang Dal Ban' promise in Karnataka. He said that a member of the party, who was in the drafting committee, has already given statement and he need not react to it separately.
PM Narendra Modi addresses public meeting in Mudbidri, Karnataka.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Bengaluru said, "With this manifesto, Congress has proved that their politics has degraded at such a level that after the central govt banned PFI, now they have added a point to ban Bajarang Dal. They failed to take action against PFI. Today after this act they have crossed all limits of shamelessness. Congress is doing politics of appeasement."
Bajrang Dal national convener Neeraj Doneriyareacts to Congress manifesto promise, says, "Congress issued the party manifesto for the Karnataka election and has connected Bajrang Dal with the PFI in it. This is very shameful that they are comparing a dal that is working for the development and benefit of society with a group that has promoted several terrorist acts."
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi takes on Congress; says, "When Babri Masjid was demolished, they made a resolution of rebuilding a mosque there. What became of that? A lot of things are said before elections. You can see what happens post-elections..."
"...This is nonsense. We are contesting on only 2 seats across Karnataka. There is a saying in Urdu - naach na jaane aangan tedha. That is their case," he says when asked about Congress' claim that he has been sent by BJP to divide Muslim votes in the state.
PM Narendra Modi has embarked on a roadshow in Kalaburagi as part of his poll campaign.
"Whenever a crisis befell the nation, Congress & JD(S) did politics over that crisis. Right now, a civil war is going on in Sudan. We are safely bringing back every single Indian from there. But Congress leaders did politics over that too and tried to instigate several families here," says PM Modi in Sindhanura [ANI]
If they (BJP) have had any confidence in their own performance, then why are Modiji and bigshot leaders of his party deployed there? This portrays the desperation of the BJP party…because they don’t have the issue in favour of the BJP party. So finding no alternative, they (BJP) are targeting on Congress. The Karnataka election will be lost by the BJP party: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, WB Congress President [ANI]
Why does PM not utter a word on BJP govt's corruption in Karnataka: Cong leader Rahul Gandhi at election rally in Shivamogga.
Congress can never compete with BJP's developmental works, says PM Modi at election rally in Karnataka
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will ensure gender justice and equal rights for Muslim women. Karnataka BJP made a very bold commitment and it will usher in a nationwide demand for the implementation of UCC across the country. Nationwide NRC is the need of the hour."
Congress party in its manifesto promises to increase the ceiling and reservation from 50% to 75% to accommodate the hopes and aspirations of SC/ST/OBC/Minority/ and other communities like Lingayat and Vokkliggas.
Congress on Tuesday released its manifesto for the Karnataka assembly polls promising 'Krishi Nidhi' of Rs 1.5 lakh crore for farmers' welfare in five years.
Congress leader Gaurav Vallabh says ahead of the launch of Congress manifesto, "Congress manifesto focuses on how to generate employment, empower the women, eradicate poverty and how to hold the hands of farmers."
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot tweeted on Tuesday, "I see Congress wave in Karnataka because people are fed up of BJP’s Jumlas. They want a party they can trust, and that is why Congress guarantees have clicked so well. There is a similar situation in both Karnataka and Rajasthan."
Congress will release its manifesto for the Karnataka Assembly polls today.
The Karnataka unit of the BJP has filed a complaint with election commission against Congress MLA Priyank Kharge for his "naalayak beta" jibe at PM Modi.
"The Congress is coming to power. We are going to implement our five guarantees. Tomorrow we are releasing our manifesto," says Congress leader DK Shivakumar. [PTI]
A win in the Karnataka polls will be a "super booster dose" for the Congress, senior leader Jairam Ramesh has said. He said that while the 2024 parliamentary elections are still some months away, the outcome in Karnataka would definitely impact the crucial assembly polls later this year in states such as Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. (PTI)
Days after Mallikarjun Kharge stoked a massive row, comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a "poisonous snake", the Congress president's son Priyank Kharge on Monday as "nalayak (useless)". "When PM Modi had come to Kalaburgi, he said, 'Aap sab dariye mat, Banjara community ka ek beta Delhi mein baitha hai (do not be scared, a son from the Banjara community is sitting in Delhi)'. "Aisa nalayak beta baithega toh ghar kaise chalega (if the son is useless, how will the house be run)?" Priyank Kharge said.
"PM has never cried, it is Congress who has been crying for the past 9 years and people also don't have sympathy for them...," says Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Congress' CryPMPayCM social media campaign.
Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda on Monday released the party's manifesto or vision document for the Karnataka Assembly elections in Bengaluru. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa were also present on the occasion. In previous manifestoes, the BJP has claimed to have touched every section of society.
In its manifesto for the 2018 Assembly polls, the party had also included cow protection measures in its manifesto. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also campaigning in the last leg of the BJP's campaign for the Karnataka polls. He has already conducted a number of rallies and held roadshows, the latest of which was in Mysuru, a traditional JDS bastion, on Sunday.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday called upon the people of Karnataka to unite and vote for Congress in the upcoming Assembly polls, failing which the future of the next generation "will be jeopardised". Emphasizing that the unity of people in the elections as "important", Kharge sought their support in forming the Congress government with an "overwhelming majority".
"This is an important election and unitedly we all need to vote for Congress and support Congress to win an overwhelming majority. If we don't unite and support Congress today, then our next generation's future will be jeopardised," Kharge said. "We need to remember Gandhiji and Pandit Nehru for their contribution to democracy. But there are some people these days who did nothing for freedom but claim themselves to be great patriots and nationalists," he added taking a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Following the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in the poll-bound Karnataka's Mysuru, police said that they have located the person who threw the phone on the vehicle and stated that the person had "no ill intentions" behind it. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), law and Order, Alok Kumar said that the phone belonged to a Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) worker and PM Modi was under the protection of the Special Protection Group (SPG).
"The person who threw the phone on the vehicle of PM had no ill intention and was thrown in excitement. The Prime Minister was under the protection of SPG. The phone belongs to a BJP worker. We have traced the person, the phone was handed over to the person by the SPG," said Alok Kumar, as quoted by ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people after his roadshow in Karnataka's Mysuru on Sunday. Watch the video here.
A large crowd has gathered in Mysuru for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow. Watch the video here.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a roadshow in Kudachi, Belagavi.
Under Congress-JDS government, only select families prosper. But for BJP, every single family of Karnataka is its own family. Under double engine BJP govt, lakhs of people from Ramnagara district have benefited from pro-people policies: PM Narendra Modi at Channapatana in Ramanagara District, Karnataka
Congress and JDS are different just to show else they are the same. They both are 'dynasty' parties. Karnataka is a growth engine in India and an 'unstable govt' is not good for it. An unstable govt doesn't do any development work they only loot the public. Congress and JDS only promote corruption. Karnataka has seen its downside: PM Narendra Modi at Channapatana in Ramanagara District, Karnataka
"This election is special. It will decide the trajectory of Karnataka's development for the next 25 years. This election is to make Karnataka No. 1 state in the country. Only BJP can achieve this mahayagya. For JDS-Congress, Karnataka is only an ATM": PM Narendra Modi at Channapatana in Ramanagara District, Karnataka
"BJP has betrayed the public at all levels. BJP is trying to divert the public from the main topic which is unemployment, no development work done etc. Our issues are clear, we will not divert the public from the main issues. This election is for the public to choose their leader. They are well aware that they have been looted and they want a change now": Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told PTI.
BJP makes fake promises and never fulfils them. But Congress has fulfilled all its promises. Congress always had the motive of working for people and not betraying them. You have watched the work of Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi and you all have the trust that we will do something for the public: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi at Khanapur in Belagavi district, Karnataka.
Our government is committed to working for the development of the poor, farmers, and women of the state. We have empowered the woman of the state. Whenever Congress comes to power, they encourage riots in society: JP Nadda, BJP chief at Honnali in Davangere district, Karnataka, as per ANI
Congress has a reputation of 85% commission. People have no faith in their govt. One of their Prime Ministers said that he sends Rupee 1 but 15 paise reach the ground. Congress has always done appeasement politics. BJP is not for appeasement but for satisfaction. Congress has always grown under corruption. Only BJP can take immediate action on corruption: PM Narendra Modi in Kolar district, Karnataka
Today's gathering will make Congress and JDS lose sleep. Both parties are the biggest hindrance in the process of development. The public has clean-bowled them. We have to save the people of Karnataka from the corrupt govt of Congress and JDS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolar district, Karnataka
EC has taken serious note of the matter in which an audio clip is circulated on social media wherein an attempt has been made by V. Somana, BJP candidate from Chamarajanagar to influence Mallikarjuna Swamy, JD(S) candidate from the same constituency to withdraw candidature by offering money and Govt. vehicle. An FIR has been filed in the matter: Election Commission of India to Karnataka Chief Electoral Office
The Congress on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was playing the "victim card" and pleading for a "discredited" double-engine government in Karnataka but the people of the state have made their mind up to oust the BJP. AICC general secretary Communications Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter, "Predictably PM Modi has begun his much-delayed Karnataka campaign by playing the victim card, pleading for a completely discredited so-called 'double engine' sarkar and abusing Congress. These will be his tired themes no doubt as he leaves the dirty tricks to Shah and Yogi to polarise."
The Election Commission has directed its chief electoral officer in poll-going Karnataka to ensure constant monitoring of ground situation and strengthen vigil over various social media platforms for prompt action against attempts to bribe or intimidate candidates and voters, news agency PTI reported.
Former Karnataka CM & leader of opposition Siddaramaiah loses balance while getting inside the car, in Vijayanagara district
"I am doing fine and there is no need to worry. It was just a slip while getting inside the car," he tweets.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi holds a roadshow in Dharwad, Karnataka.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds a roadshow at Madikeri in Kodagu district, Karnataka.
BJP National President JP Nadda holds a roadshow at Kalaghatagi in Dharwad district, Karnataka.
I have full faith in people. People will bless BJP's double-engine government. Everyone knows that Congress is giving so many guarantees to get power and people are not trusting them. Warranty of their guarantee has expired: he told ANI.
Congress has abused me 91 times. They abuse me the way they abused Ambedkar, Savarkar: PM Modi
I received Bidar's blessing earlier also. This election is not just for winning, it is an election to make Karnataka the number 1 state in the country. The state can only develop when its all parts are developed. This election will decide the role of the state and to make it number 1, double engine govt is very important for the state: PM Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting at Humnabad in Bidar District, Karnataka
Karnataka | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shortly address a public meeting at Humnabad in Bidar District
Congress will come to power in Karnataka. AICC President (Mallikarjun Kharge) and our leader Rahul Gandhi have very clearly told us that we need to get 150 seats. And we will get 150 seats: Chittapur MLA and former minister Priyank Kharge to PTI
The Congress on requested the Election Commission to bar Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from campaigning for the May 10 assembly polls in Karnataka for their alleged statements against the minority community. A delegation of Congress leaders, including Abhishek Singhvi, Pawan Kumar Bansal and Mukul Wasnik, met the chief election commissioner and the election commissioners, and requested the poll body to ensure a level-playing field in the state.
The delegation alleged that Shah and Adityanath made false, partisan and communal statements during the poll campaign in Karnataka with a view to seek electoral gains, and demanded that they be not allowed to campaign in the state. They said the Election Commission should immediately take action against these leaders. (PTI)
If you take the right decisions at the right time, then you get the right results: BJP President JP Nadda at Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka, as reported by the news agency ANI.
"I never expected the Congress President to make such a statement. He should apologise for it. People will not forget this," BJP leader BS Yediyurappa on Mallikarjun Kharge's 'poisonous snake' remark on PM, as quoted by ANI.
Following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday said the intoxication of power has not subsided for the grand old party. He said the remarks on the Prime Minister showed the Congress' culture.
Bommai said that PM Modi has become a "nightmare for traitors, anti-social elements, terrorists, anti-nationals, and peace breakers."
He said, "I did not know why Kharge felt like that. How far it is correct for him to talk in such a manner about PM Modi? The Congress Party has reached such a stage today because of talking in that manner.
The intoxication of power has not come down for the Congress party. Karnataka is a land of culture and everyone is respected here. We may differ with the ideology of Kharge but he will be respected for his seniority. Unfortunately, such a senior person talking in such a way". Bommai said the fear of defeat in the upcoming state Assembly polls haunts Congress.
Amid the high-decibel campaign for the ensuing Karnataka Assembly elections, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a "poisonous snake", drawing a sharp reaction from the BJP, which slammed the "slanderous" statement saying it reflected the "mentality" of the principal Opposition party in the state. Kharge, who made the remarks at Kalaburagi, later issued a clarification saying his remark wasn't directed at Prime Minister Modi but at the BJP and its "divisive" ideology.
In a tweet, Kharge said, "BJP's ideology is divisive, hostile and full of hatred and prejudice towards the poor and Dalits. I discussed the politics of hatred and malice. My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person."
"But for the ideology he represents. Our fight with PM Modi is not a personal fight. It is an ideological battle. My intention was not to hurt anyone's feelings and if knowingly or unknowingly someone's feelings were hurt, then it was never my intention," Kharge added.'"Nor has it been the conduct of my long political life. I have always followed the norms and traditions of political correctness towards friends and opponents and will do so till the last breath of my life. I don't make fun of individuals and their problems like people in high positions," the Congress national president said in another tweet.
As soon as the Congress government comes to power in Karnataka, we will implement the 5th guarantee that all women can travel free in public transport buses: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (ANI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promises Rs 10 lakh insurance cover for fishermen, if his party comes to power in Karnataka.
Former PM and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda says he will campaign for his party at 42 places in next 11 days in run-up to Assembly elections in Karnataka
PM Narendra Modi is like a 'poisonous snake', you might think it’s poison or not. If you lick it, you’re dead...: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Kalaburagi
Congress leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala, Dr Parmeshwar and DK Shivakumar file police complaint in Bengaluru's High Grounds police station against Union Home Minister & BJP leader Amit Shah and organisers of BJP rally for allegedly making "provocative statements, promoting enmity and hatred and maligning opposition."
Addressing a crowd in Belagavi, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "After independence, Mahatma Gandhi had said to abolish Congress Party, but Jawaharlal Nehru did not listen to him and made Congress a political party. Nehru did not listen to Mahatma Gandhi, but Rahul Gandhi said that he will listen to Bapu & finish the Congress. Rahul Gandhi is engaged in the campaign to finish Congress."
Yesterday I had a meeting with Lingayat leaders. I explained to them how the high command tried to convince (Jagadish Shettar). I urge all party workers to tell voters how Jagadish Shetter betrayed BJP. I appeal to you that Mahesh Tenginkai should win by a margin of 30,000 votes. If you all work hard, both Jagadish Shettar and Laxman Savadi will go home: Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa (ANI)
Ex-BJP leader Jagadish Shettar, who switched to Congress recently and is the party’s candidate from the Hubli-Dharwad Central seat, said he takes criticism from BS Yediyurappa as his blessing. "I take criticism from BS Yediyurappa as his blessing in this election...His wish for me (to lose) will convert into success for me," he told ANI.
While addressing a crowd in Dharwad, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Corruption is under attack today, big leaders are going to jail...they (opposition) claim that this probe is intentional. This govt will probe all the corrupted leaders, no matter how prominent they are..."
While addressing a crowd at Karnataka’s Mandya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said: “Congress talks about development but the reality was that the 5-year schemes which they used to announce used to become a reality only after the scheme’s term ended and soon after it would collapse. When PM Modi keeps the foundation of a scheme, he also inaugurates it.”
Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep campaigns for the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate S Thippeswamy from the Molakalmuru Assembly constituency in Chitradurga.
Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be in Karnataka on Wednesday to campaign for the BJP in various parts of the State in run-up to the May 10 assembly election.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa says he told party leaders to not let Jagadish Shettar win. "All our important Lingayat leaders attended. I told them that Jagadish Shettar should not win. For that, we must work day and night. All of them accepted that...," he says.
Meanwhile, Shettar says, "In the last elections, I won with the support of the people of this constituency. I am now contesting for the 7th time and the kind of support I am seeing shows that even the people of this area were hurt by the way BJP treated me."
BJP leader KS Eshwarappa has denied reports of him rooting for BJP national general secretary CT Ravi as the "next" chief minister of Karnataka saying he is a "good leader" but a decision on the CM face is out of his domain.
The Congress on Tuesday said it is committed to the protection and progress of the women of Karnataka, as it cited examples of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh to claim that it delivers on its promises.Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh cited the policies implemented by the party's governments in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh after coming to power there. (PTI)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said Karnataka's earlier regime granting 4% reservation to Muslims will continue to hold the field till May 9. The top court will hear the batch of petitions just on the eve of the polling on May 10. (PTI)
Accusing the BJP government in Karnataka of rampant corruption, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged on Tuesday Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been "looted" from the state. She also expressed confidence about Congress coming to power after May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka and taking the state on the path of development.
"What is most sad is the 40 per cent government commission that was there in the state looted you. They looted you without any shame," Vadra said while targeting the ruling BJP in the state.
Seeking to highlight various alleged scams, contractors' committing suicide, and contractors association even writing a letter to the Prime Minister alleging scam, she said at a public meeting, "but there were no action, as many of those involved were associated with the BJP. " "You might have read about Rs 8 crore seized from the son of an MLA. Instead of investigating, the MLA carried out a parade. " "It is said Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been looted from Karnataka," she alleged, adding the money could have been used for a lot of developmental works in the state, which would have benefited the people.
"BJP govt isn't serious, they know they have completely failed in it. They didn't do it as per law & failed in the affidavit. Just for elections, they tried to give some chocolates and it has failed," Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on reservation issue, as reported by the news agency ANI.
Karnataka CM & BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai campaigns in Hubli-Dharwad West Assembly constituency ahead of May 10 elections in the state, as reported by news agency ANI.
BJP president JP Nadda on Monday accused former Karnataka of creating obstacles to the implementation of Central schemes pioneered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the state.
The BJP national president made the remark while holding a roadshow at Sidlaghatta in Chikkaballapur district on Tuesday. "Governments of former CMs Siddaramaiah and HD Kumaraswamy created bottlenecks in a bid to stop implementation of the schemes of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. Schemes like PM Yashasvi Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi were stopped. Earlier, Siddaramaiah's government also did the same thing," said Nadda, as quoted by ANI.
Targeting Congress for extending support to the People's Front of India (PFI), Nadda said, "When Siddaramaiah was in power, they supported PFI goons and there was a palpable ambience of fear. However, in the light of strong evidence, the PFI was declared an anti-national organisation and was banned. Now, DK Shivakumar is saying that the Congress will uplift the ban on PFI if they are voted to power. Should such people be allowed to return to power?" the BJP national chief asked.
With Karnataka Assembly elections nearing, incumbent Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said that he never imagined that he would become CM one day. While talking to the media persons in Bengaluru, he said, "I had never imagined becoming the CM, but the party's high command decided it. Now also, the party's high command will take a decision," as quoted by the news agency ANI.
CM Bommai was answering questions on whether he would return as the state's chief minister in the event of yet another term win for the BJP.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar, who recently left the BJP, "will lose the election" and asserted that Hubbali has always voted for BJP.
Shah said there will not be a loss for BJP. Shettar joined Congress after leaving BJP and is contesting from Hubballi- Dharwad-Central, a seat he has won multiple times. "There'll be no loss, Jagdish Shettar will himself lose election, Huballii has always voted for BJP & all workers of BJP are united," Shah said at a press conference, as quoted by the news agency ANI. He accused Congress of doing "appeasement politics".
"...Religion-based reservation is unconstitutional. Congress leaders are saying that they'll implement reservation for Muslims, but then, whose reservation will they reduce...," Shah said He also slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks. "56 lakh farmers are getting Rs 10,000 every year under direct benefit transfers....does Rahul Gandhi think that these many farmers are of two-three families...," Shah said answering a query.
He said that the ruling BJP has worked for the all-round development of Karnataka and the Modi government gave 140 per cent more money to the state in five years in terms of tax devolution and grant-in-aid compared to the funds sent by the UPA government.
"During Manmohan Singh's government, Karnataka got about Rs 94,224 crore in terms of tax devolution and grant-in-aid between 2009 and 2014. The Modi government gave Rs 2,26,418 crore between 2014 to 2019. This is 140 per cent more than the money sent during Congress government," Shah said. He said the BJP government in the state created 55 lakh employment opportunities in the last about four years.
Till April 24, Rs 83,42,47,650 cash and 15,08,912.091 litres of liquor valued at Rs 57,13,26,042 seized. 1,176.92 kg of drugs/narcotics worth Rs 16,55,95,871 have been seized: Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka [ANI]
"His comment was only on the present CM, Basavaraj Bommai, and not all Lingayat CMs. He did not comment on other Lingayat CMs," says Congress candidate from Hubli-Dharwad-Central, Jagadish Shettar on Karnataka LoP Siddaramaiah's "Corrupt Lingayat Chief Minister" remark. [ANI]
Caste is not an important factor in elections, says Siddaramaiah. "Issues are important. Now, the issues are corruption issues, anti-farmer issues, price rise issues, and unemployment, and there are many other issues also. People of Karnataka will not consider caste as an important factor. If anybody makes it an issue, people will not consider it," former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah tells PTI.
AIADMK withdraws their candidate D Anbarasan's nomination for Pulikeshi Nagar for the assembly election. The decision was taken after an interaction with BJP's top functionaries over the phone.
"Nowadays, focus is only on 2-3 billionaires, but it should be on farmers, labourers and small vendors....billionaires get loan from bank easily & if something happens, it gets waived off easily but farmers loans are never waived off": Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader interacts with Sugarcane farmers in Belagavi's Ramdurg
"I had never imagined becoming the CM, but the party's high command decided it. Now also, the party high command will take a decision": Karnataka CM & BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai on upcoming Assembly elections, as per ANI.
"Jagadish Shettar & Laxman Savadi enjoyed all powers in BJP and they later joined the Congress party. They will not be accepted by the people of the state," he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds roadshow in Gundlupet of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka
Union Home Minister Amit Shah offers prayers at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple in Karnataka's Mysuru.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to campaign in poll-bound Karnataka on April 25-26
To suddenly say Amul is being brought to Karnataka to kill Nandini is brazen, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday, as she alleged that the Gujarat-based dairy cooperative had entered the state when Congress was in power here. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) sells milk, curd and other dairy products under the brand name Nandini. She said things were tweaked, twisted and made an emotional issue because it is election time in Karnataka, where Assembly polls would be held on May 10. (PTI)
"Today we are paying floral tribute to him (Guru Basavanna). But when he was alive, he would have been attacked. Some must have tried to scare him. But he didn't step back and leave the path of truth. This is why we paid floral tribute to him. We don't give floral tribute to those who don't raise questions, speak against the injustice of society, or get afraid," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka, as quoted by the news agency ANI.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka LoP and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah attend the Basava Jayanti celebration at Basava Mantapa Centre, Bagalkote
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrives in Hubbali, Karnataka.
Karnataka Minister & BJP candidate from Kanakpura constituency R. Ashoka says, "Fantastic response in Kanakpura, I think they are fed up with Congress. They want Modi Govt in Kanakpura...BJP started 'Jay Vahini' to all 24 constituencies...PM Modi and HM Amit Shah gave the target of winning 150 seats that's why we are going across Karnataka. There will be BJP Govt in Karnataka, 100%..." as quoted by ANI.
"It is not right for a former CM to make a statement like this. He has stated that the entire Lingayat community is corrupt, Brahmin community had been ridiculed in the past. Earlier, he had tried to break the Lingayat-Veerashaiva community when he was the Chief Minister. The people of the state will teach Siddaramaiah a lesson," says Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Karnataka LoP and former CM Siddaramaiah's statement that a Lingayat CM has done corruption in the state, as quoted by the news agency ANI.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will arrive in poll-bound Karnataka on a two-day visit starting Sunday, where he will attend a series of events including visit to temples, interaction with people and address public, Congress party said on Saturday. According to his schedule, Gandhi will reach Hubballi at 10.30 AM and then he will fly to Kudala Sangama in Bagalkote by helicopter.
Kudala Sangama is an important pilgrimage of Lingayat sect, one the major dominant communities of Karnataka. The place has the Aikya Mantapa of the founder of the 12th century AD social reformer and the founder of Lingayat sect Basaveshwara. The Congress leader will pay his obeisance to Sangamanatha temple and the Aikya Linga. He will also participate in the Basava Jayanti celebration organised by the Utsava Samiti of Basava Mantapa.
Gandhi will then participate in ‘Jana Samparka’ (public contact) and address people in Vijayapura at Shivaji Circle. On Monday afternoon, the former Congress president will interact with sugarcane growers in Ramdurg in Belagavi. Further, he will travel to Gadag to take part in 'Yuva Samvaad' (interaction with youths). In the evening, he will hold a public meeting in Hangal in Haveri district.
Gandhi will return to Hubballi in the night and then fly to Delhi. This will be Gandhi’s second visit to Karnataka within a week. He was in Kolar on April 16 to attend ‘Jai Bharat’ programme.
No matter what BJP does, we will come to power. I have advised the party workers to bring Congress to power. Even some people from BJP are fed up with BJP. Now the BJP is a divided house: DK Shivakumar, State President, Karnataka Congress
"What's the contribution of BJP to Varuna constituency? People have understood that whatever development has taken place is because of me and my son," says former Karnataka CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar called Congress, JD(S) as 'entitled, exploitative' parties of past, said BJP is the future of Karnataka.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said, "People are fed up because in these 5 years whatever the BJP Govt did, more or less they encouraged corruption. They were taking 40% commission openly, which was proved by the contractors themselves. I think that this is enough, they need not get defence from others. So, corruption, lack of infrastructure and division among caste and reserved categories - they are doing mischief. But people are united, they want Congress to come to power."
LoP and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah visits Siddeshwara Swamy temple in Karya village in the Mysuru district of Karnataka.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai reacts to state Congress chief DK Shivakumar's allegation of CM Office calling up Returning Officials to disqualify Congress candidates.
He said, "Election Commission is a constitutionally formed, independent body. It runs by the rules of the Election Commission. So, there is no question of interference. He is scared of his defeat, so he is making baseless, useless allegations every morning. I need not answer all that."
"What he is doing to Siddaramaiah is very well-known in the state. First, let him look into his party," he added.
"BJP legal team and CM Office are trying everything to make sure Congress candidates nominations' are disqualified. I request ECI to collect the call register of CM. In Savadatti also, the same thing happened. CM himself called officials," says Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar as quoted by ANI.
He also said, "I never received a 40% commission. Shobha Karandlaje, Madal Virupakshappa, Yatnal, Gulihatti Shekar, KS Eshwarappa and many others made 40% allegations (against me)...Shobha Karandlaje and many others are trying to destroy BS Yediyurappa. The entire state election is over '40% corruption', other issues are also included".
Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Friday skipped a convention of his party’s Mumbai unit, raising eyebrows in political circles as speculation about his next political move refuses to die down. His name was also missing from the party's list of star campaigners for the Karnataka Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in Pune, Pawar said he was unable to attend the convention as it clashed with some other programs he had to attend, and nothing more should be read into it. The daylong meeting in Mumbai was addressed by party chief Sharad Pawar and senior leaders like Praful Patel, Jitendra Awhad, Supriya Sule, Chhagan Bhujbal and state NCP president Jayant Patil.
Talking about Ajit Pawar's absence from the meeting, NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the event was planned a month ago.
“Ajit Pawar had accepted invitations to several programmes in Pune. He expressed his inability to attend. All leaders have their schedules to follow. Just because they are unable to attend one function, it does not mean they are planning to quit. He was present along with (Sharad) Pawar for an Iftar party earlier this week in Mumbai,” Crasto said.
Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, meets with Karnataka BJP leaders in Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The NCP has released its first list of nine candidates for the Karnataka Assembly elections, as well as the names of key campaigners.
JP Nadda, National President of the BJP, holds a roadshow in Karnataka's Bidar district.
Rains in the area have forced the cancellation of Home Minister Amit Shah's roadshow in Vijayapura, Devanahalli taluk. During his visit to Bengaluru on Friday, Shah was scheduled to campaign for the BJP candidate in the taluk.
Due to rain, Shah, who arrived at Kempegowda International Airport on Friday, remained at the airport before proceeding to the venue. The roadshow, however, was cancelled by the state election management committee.
"Giving an opportunity to Congress in Karnataka would mean stopping Karnataka from double engine government & setting Karnataka’s development in reverse gear": BJP President JP Nadda said during his visit to Shri Ramakrishna Ashram
"I will approach the High Courts; I will fight till the last breath. I believe in court of law. I still believe they have done an injustice. Everything is transparent," KPCC President DK Shivakumar as HC dismisses his plea in disproportionate assets case, as quoted by ANI.
"BJP is blackmailing the people of Karnataka. The double engine could not help during Covid, drought and any kind of problems. They are harassing West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and many other opposition govt states. We can sustain all these pressures," DK Shivakumar said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Karnataka BJP leader and former minister KS Eshwarappa, who dropped out of electoral politics ahead of the upcoming State Assembly polls. After receiving PM Modi's call KS Eshwarappa said, "I didn't expect his (PM) call, it inspires me to win Shivamogga city and we'll try all possibilities to bring the BJP govt back in Karnataka. It’s not something special I have done. I have told the same to PM".
Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Friday will embark on a two-day visit to Karnataka and is set to take out a roadshow in Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The BJP leader will also take stock of the party's preparations for the May 10 Assembly elections in the state. This is Shah's first visit to the state after announcement of poll schedule on March 29.
According to his schedule of events, Shah will hold a roadshow in the taluk headquarters town of Devanahalli, the birthplace of 18th century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan, in Bengaluru Rural district in the afternoon. Shah would hold a meeting here with senior party functionaries regarding poll preparations in the evening, BJP sources said.
On Saturday, he is scheduled to attend an event organised by a private news channel before flying back to New Delhi. In Devanahalli, the Union minister will campaign for the BJP's Pilla Munishamappa, who is pitted against sitting JD(S) MLA L N Narayanaswamy and Congress candidate K H Muniyappa, a former Union minister and seven-time MP.
Over 3,600 candidates have filed a total of 5,102 nominations for the upcoming Assembly polls in Karnataka till April 20, the last day for filing of the papers, with the documents set to be scrutinised on Friday, election officials said. The process of filing nomination papers began on April 13 with the election notification being issued. Scrutiny of nominations will take place today, and the last day for the withdrawal of candidature is April 24.
Voting will be in a single phase across the state on May 10 and the counting of votes is scheduled for May 13. Of the total nominations, 4,710 were filed by 3,327 male candidates and 391 nominations were by 304 female candidates. One nomination has been filed by an "other gender" candidate, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka said in a statement late on Thursday night.
It said 707 nominations were filed by candidates who identified themselves with the BJP, 651 Congress, 455 JD(S) and the rest from other smaller parties and Independents. According to the officials, one candidate may file up to four nominations. On Thursday, the sixth and last day for filing of the papers, 1,934 nominations were filed by 1,691 candidates, including several prominent leaders.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday denied having made any decision by the party on the Lingayat chief minister and said that the meeting convened by senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa was to take stock of the political situation in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll-bound Karnataka for campaigning in the state assembly elections after the nomination process is completed, he said.
Addressing the media, CM Bommai said that no decision has been made regarding the Lingayat chief minister as the meeting of Lingayat leaders that was held under the leadership of former CM BS Yediyurappa to take stock of the current political situation in the State. "Leaders also gave suggestions on how to respond to the miscampaign being done by the Congress leaders and also regarding the Lingayat CM matter," he said.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was also present in the meeting he said that he would convey the Karnataka leader's feelings to the Delhi leaders. "No decision has been taken regarding the announcement of the Lingayat CM", he said.
Highly upset by the exit of two top Lingayat leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party, former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa called a meeting of several MLAs belonging to the community to deliberate on the action plan as the state Assembly elections are less than a month from now, sources said.
The meeting comes after two senior leaders Jagadish Shettar and Laxman Savadi left the BJP as they were denied tickets by the party and joined Congress ahead of the elections.
Congress MP D K Suresh files nomination from Kanakapura seat, from where his brother and state unit President D K Shivakumar is party candidate.
DK Suresh, MP from Bengaluru and brother of KPCC president DK Shivakumar filed a nomination in Kanakapura from where his brother is contesting, ANI reported,
DK Shivakumar says my brother has filed the nomination just for a precautionary measure.
"Today I am joining Congress. There are political reasons, due to which I am leaving BJP and joining Congress": BJP MLC H Vishwanath says, making another saffron party to quit.
The Congress on Wednesday tweeted a video clip of BJP chief J P Nadda's remarks in Karnataka, accusing him of "threatening" the voters and calling his comments a "blatant attack on democracy".
The Congress from its official Twitter handle tweeted a portion of the clip to hit out at the BJP.
"BJP President J P Nadda threatens to withhold constitutional rights from the people of Karnataka if they don't vote for the corrupt 40% BJP government," the Congress said in a tweet.
"This is a blatant attack on democracy and shows how the BJP plans to treat the Kannadigas," the party alleged.
"We are not subjects of a Raja but citizens of a federal country governed by the constitution," the Congress said.
JD(S) releases its third list of 59 candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections. The party also announced support to Congress candidate Darshan Dhruvanarayan in Nanjanagudu constituency. Ayanur Manjunath, who resigned from BJP, is set to contest from Shivamogga central constituency.
Congress leader Jagadish Shettar files nomination from Hubli-Dharwad-Central Assembly constituency. He will face BJP candidate Mahesh Tenginkai in the election.
AIADMK to contest in the upcoming Karnataka elections. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami announced D Anbarasan as the candidate from the Pulikeshi Nagar constituency.
Former MLA Anil Lad resigned from the Congress party. He was an aspirant for the Bellary City MLA ticket.
Lad met JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy late last night and joined JDS.
Former Congress MP B V Nayak has quit the party, after being denied a ticket to Devadurga constituency. Ticket has been given to his brother's wife.
Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar blames BJP leader B L Santhosh for denying him party ticket for the upcoming state polls
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