campaigning picks momentum for Karnataka Assembly Elections

Political parties have intensified election campaigns as the Karnataka assembly election approaches nearer. Many political stalwarts from BJP and Congress toured the state for rallies and road shows, hoping to turn the tide in their favour. While the Congress is looking at an anti-incumbency wave that has worked since 1985, the ruling BJP hopes PM Modi's popularity and development work will help it through.

Party sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin campaigning on April 28 and continue till May 7. Prime Minister Mr. Modi will campaign for the party candidates and will conduct nearly 15 public meetings and road shows in the next six days in the state. In addition, Prime Minister will virtually attend an interactive discussion with 50 lakh BJP workers today.

Central BJP leaders, including union ministers and chief ministers, campaigned for their party candidates at various places. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed a public meeting at Kagwad in Belgavi district yesterday. Mr. Singh said BJP welcomes if an economically-weaker Muslim or a Christian gets reservation benefits, but



the Constitution of India does not permit religion-based reservation. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath at another public rally in Mandya, also said the religion-based quota was unconstitutional and scrapped by the Karnataka government.

He said India has witnessed unparalleled growth during the Modi regime, and the double-engine government in Karnataka is a must for its continued development. However, the Congress left no stone unturned. Mounting an attack on BJP, the Congress said the present Karnataka government had betrayed the people on the reservation issue.

State Congress president D.K. Shivkumar and State-in-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala addressing a joint press conference, said the Bommai government has failed to submit an affidavit defending the increase in quota reservations. 

Raising regional issues, Congress leaders, including Congress National President Mallikarrrjuna Kharge, Party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, have been campaigning to woo the voters in their favour.