Two of ten exit polls predict BJP win & five, which say Congress will emerge as single largest party, hint at possibility of Karnataka heading towards hung assembly.
Controversy stirred up a hornet's nest for Congress, with BJP launching blistering attack on rival. Modi even claimed that opposition party wanted to 'lock up' devotees of Hanuman.
In Hyderabad-Karnataka region, Congress has given more tickets to the Scheduled Caste 'touchables', and none to SC-Left. Party hopes this will help it make up for SC-Left votes.
As curtains fall on Karnataka campaign, the BJP leader talks about his party’s chances in Karnataka, corruption allegations against Bommai govt, and ‘The Kerala Story’.
Bajrang Dal, which Congress promised to 'ban' if voted to power, has presence in coastal Karnataka. The issue, though not a 'game-changer' will likely neutralise anti-incumbency in state.
Miffed over ticket distribution, Savadi & Shettar joined Congress earlier in April. This could pose a challenge for BJP in Kittur-Karnataka, a region that sends 50 MLAs to assembly.
More than 80% of seats BJP won in last 4 Karnataka polls saw direct contests with Congress. BJP improved its strike rate against JD(S) to 65% in 2018 from 31.25% in 2004.
Bommai govt last month announced separate reservations for 4 groupings of SCs, reflecting historical divisions. Political parties are trying to woo each section as polls approach.
With the Karnataka Assembly polls approaching, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee has 4 other working presidents—Ramalinga Reddy, Eshwar Khandre, Saleem Ahmed & Satish Jarkiholi.
Once considered close to Kharge, Baburao Chinchansur rebelled against the Congress president in 2018 and joined the BJP. Back in the Congress, he will be fielded from Gurmitkal.
Finance ministry says the proposed revamp will focus on structural reforms, rate rationalisation & ease of living, & will be deliberated upon in the coming weeks.
The project is meant to be a ‘protective shield that will keep expanding’, the PM said. It is on the lines of the ‘Golden Dome’ announced by Trump, it is learnt.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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