B.S. Yediyurappa, the Lingayat strongman and former Karnataka CM, appears to be among the BJP’s biggest strengths — and its biggest weaknesses — as the state heads for polls.
Political experts say not seeing Yediyurappa at the helm in upcoming assembly elections may affect Lingayat votes, a dominant community in Karnataka with considerable political clout.
Lingayats were granted separate religion tag in 2018 by Karnataka's then Congress government, but the decision was struck down by the BJP-led central government.
Dubbed ‘Singham’ during his tenure in IPS, Annamalai now juggles his role in Tamil Nadu BJP with responsibility as Karnataka assembly polls co-incharge.
Former Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa delivered a farewell speech in Karnataka assembly this week, but said Friday he will work for the BJP 'till my last breath'. State goes to polls this year.
SDPI, the political arm of outlawed PFI, has been gaining strength in Congress bastions in coastal Karnataka. Political observers say it could end up splitting minority votes.
Karnataka BJP under Bommai has been under pressure of late — first due to the hijab controversy, as well as over corruption allegations against state leaders and ministers.
Sunil Kanugolu, not even 40 yet, was among founders of BJP campaign organisation Association of Brilliant Minds. He has been involved in 14 elections so far, avoids public glare.
Karnataka, Meghalaya, Manipur, Goa & Arunachal witnessed high-voltage drama, like Madhya Pradesh, before the BJP outwitted the Congress and formed its own govt.
A theme has not yet emerged for BJP & people see lack of a contest, which makes it unexciting. For all these reasons, 2024 is turning out to be an unexpectedly theme-less election.
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