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Wednesday, February 18, 2026
TopicKarnataka polls

Topic: Karnataka polls

Twist in ‘Bajrang Dal ban’ row: Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar were ‘unaware’ of Congress manifesto promise

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.

How Congress is betting on Kharge and ‘divide & rule’ strategy to corner SC votes in Karnataka

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.

‘We don’t need the BJP’ — why a section of Lingayats is batting for Congress ahead of Karnataka polls

Leaders of Veerashaiva-Lingayat community have given call to defeat BJP over its alleged ‘ill-treatment’ of Lingayat strongman and former CM BS Yediyurappa. 

Eight CMs since 2008, but 25% of Karnataka’s seats have stuck to the same party since 2008

Voters of 58 of Karnataka's seats chose the same party in 2008, 2013 and 2018. Of these, 25 seats are with Congress, 23 with BJP and 10 with JD(S).

‘First they locked up Ram, now Hanuman…’, says Modi after Congress pitches Bajrang Dal ban in poll manifesto

PM was addressing a rally in poll-bound Karnataka, hours after Congress released its manifesto for the 10 May assembly polls, which referred to Bajrang Dal & PFI as divisive forces.

Only 5% women in BJP and Congress candidate lists for Karnataka polls as ‘caste & winnability take precedence’

While both parties have fielded 224 candidates each for the 10 May polls, there are only 12 and 11 women respectively in the BJP and Congress lists.

Lingayats, Vokkaligas get lion’s share in Karnataka BJP seat allocation with 103 out of 224

In the reserved category, it appears that the BJP has given more representation to Banjaras & Bhovis who protested after their reservation was capped at 4 per cent last month.

Vote! After superstars, Karnataka poll body uses superbrands to create buzz for May elections

The state election commission’s social media arm is using popular emblems like those of Burger King & BMW to urge people to come out on 10 May.

Congress ends speculation, announces former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s candidature from Varuna

Congress has released a list of 124 candidates. Siddaramaiah had given several hints that he was keen on contesting the assembly election from Kolar.

Farewell speech but innings far from over for 79-yr-old Yediyurappa — BJP ‘backbone in Karnataka’

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.

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

Venezuela crude returns to India’s oil basket. But only as ‘supplementary’ supply

Indian refiners are testing Venezuelan barrels again as Russian supply sinks, but analysts say volumes will remain limited due to refinery constraints & supply capacity.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.