Following the declaration of the results of the Karnataka assembly elections,&nbsp;Congress leader and incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah has decided&nbsp;to meet the governor and submit his resignation to him.

Siddaramaiah will meet the governor&nbsp;Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today.

The Congress chief ministerial candidate contested the polls from two constituencies,&nbsp;Chamundeshwari and Badami.

While he lost from Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah won from Badami by defeating BJP's B Sriramulu.

The results of the elections declared BJP as the major winning party with 104 seats, Congress winning 78 while JDS 36 seats.

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CM Siddaramaiah to meet the Governor of Karnataka at 4 pm today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/euKZ0nMLO0">pic.twitter.com/euKZ0nMLO0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996317950654103552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Siddaramaiah will meet the governor Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today

Following the declaration of the results of the Karnataka assembly elections, Congress leader and incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah has decided to meet the governor and submit his resignation to him. Siddaramaiah will meet the governor Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today. The Congress chief ministerial candidate contested the polls from two constituencies, Chamundeshwari and Badami. While he lost from Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah won from Badami by defeating BJP's B Sriramulu. The results of the elections declared BJP as the major winning party with 104 seats, Congress winning 78 while JDS 36 seats. CM Siddaramaiah to meet the Governor of Karnataka at 4 pm today. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/euKZ0nMLO0 — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

Karnataka results: Siddaramaiah to meet governor to submit his resignation today

With a day left for the Karnataka election results, speculation in the south Indian state is running wild. With a whole spectrum of exit polls predicting every possible outcome, the results this time are truly shrouded in mystery.&nbsp;

So what are the possible outcomes in these hard-fought Karnataka elections?&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The stakes are particularly high for the Congress, being the incumbent in the state. Relegated to just three states nationally, the grand old party would want to return to power with a full majority.&nbsp; 
With indications of a hung assembly being thrown up well in advance, the Congress strategy led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was focused on consolidating the AHINDA vote base comprising minorities, Dalits and SC/STs. The three communities form 60% of the state's population. If Congress fails to get a full majority or something close to it, it will be forced to look at coalition options.&nbsp;

But Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with the JD(S) and its supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a roadblock for talks between the two parties. In the event of talks happening, Siddaramaiah can bid his chief ministership goodbye.&nbsp;

HD Kumaraswamy would want to be the king, not kingmaker, least of all for Siddaramaiah. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In another scenario, the Congress might look for a more neutral face to lead its charge in the state.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-okay-with-dalit-chief-minister-if-congress-high-command-says-so-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-136619">I am okay with Dalit chief minister if Congress high command says so, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah</a>

Some of the names doing the rounds include that that of veteran leader and MP Mallikarjuna Kharge.&nbsp;

Kharge missed out on becoming chief minister in 2013.&nbsp;

KPCC President G Parameshwar has also nursed CM ambitions, and even said that he will welcome the high command's decision to have a Dalit chief minister.&nbsp;

The other leader who has shown chief ministerial ambitions is Energy Minister DK Shivakumar.&nbsp;His chequered image had kept him out of the race last time and his demand for the deputy CM's post was not met.&nbsp;

Last but not least, Congress could consider the non-controversial figures of Industry Minister RV Deshpande and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the Congress has not officially declared a CM candidate, but merely made Siddaramaiah in charge.&nbsp;

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This issue has been created in media to create differences between us. We are clear that high command will decide on it. It's just a matter of 12 hours: Mallikarjun Kharge on Siddaramaiah's comment, 'I can sacrifice CM's post for a Dalit' <a href="https://t.co/ewchYMHcXM">pic.twitter.com/ewchYMHcXM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995900129235238917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Let's move on to the BJP. Their chief ministerial candidate is BS Yeddyurappa.&nbsp;

Like for Siddaramaiah, these elections could be the last for the 75-yearr-old Yeddyurappa should he fail to bring the party back to power.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
If the BJP does get into talks with the JD(S) following a post-poll hung assembly, then Yeddyurappa's chief ministership might be in trouble.&nbsp;

Unlike the absolute mess that the BJP and JD(S) had together created in 2007, this time around Kumaraswamy might demand the position all for himself — owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Just as important to remember is that coalition governments have been extremely unstable in Karnataka, with most coalition chief ministers not completing a full term.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a stumbling block to talks. In the event of a BJP-JD(S) coalition, Kumarasway might demand the job for himself owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature

With a day left for the Karnataka election results, speculation in the south Indian state is running wild. With a whole spectrum of exit polls predicting every possible outcome, the results this time are truly shrouded in mystery. So what are the possible outcomes in these hard-fought Karnataka elections? The stakes are particularly high for the Congress, being the incumbent in the state. Relegated to just three states nationally, the grand old party would want to return to power with a full majority. With indications of a hung assembly being thrown up well in advance, the Congress strategy led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was focused on consolidating the AHINDA vote base comprising minorities, Dalits and SC/STs. The three communities form 60% of the state's population. If Congress fails to get a full majority or something close to it, it will be forced to look at coalition options. But Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with the JD(S) and its supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a roadblock for talks between the two parties. In the event of talks happening, Siddaramaiah can bid his chief ministership goodbye. HD Kumaraswamy would want to be the king, not kingmaker, least of all for Siddaramaiah. In another scenario, the Congress might look for a more neutral face to lead its charge in the state. Also read: I am okay with Dalit chief minister if Congress high command says so, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Some of the names doing the rounds include that that of veteran leader and MP Mallikarjuna Kharge. Kharge missed out on becoming chief minister in 2013. KPCC President G Parameshwar has also nursed CM ambitions, and even said that he will welcome the high command's decision to have a Dalit chief minister. The other leader who has shown chief ministerial ambitions is Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. His chequered image had kept him out of the race last time and his demand for the deputy CM's post was not met. Last but not least, Congress could consider the non-controversial figures of Industry Minister RV Deshpande and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao. Interestingly, the Congress has not officially declared a CM candidate, but merely made Siddaramaiah in charge. This issue has been created in media to create differences between us. We are clear that high command will decide on it. It's just a matter of 12 hours: Mallikarjun Kharge on Siddaramaiah's comment, 'I can sacrifice CM's post for a Dalit' pic.twitter.com/ewchYMHcXM — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Let's move on to the BJP. Their chief ministerial candidate is BS Yeddyurappa. Like for Siddaramaiah, these elections could be the last for the 75-yearr-old Yeddyurappa should he fail to bring the party back to power. If the BJP does get into talks with the JD(S) following a post-poll hung assembly, then Yeddyurappa's chief ministership might be in trouble. Unlike the absolute mess that the BJP and JD(S) had together created in 2007, this time around Kumaraswamy might demand the position all for himself — owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature. Just as important to remember is that coalition governments have been extremely unstable in Karnataka, with most coalition chief ministers not completing a full term.

If hung verdict, both Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa may have to give up Karnataka CM ambitions

PM Modi joined the Karnataka campaign in the last leg with just 10 days to go, in that little time the Indian prime minister addressed over 20 rallies and put the Namo app to good use reaching out to farmers, Dalits and the general public.

However, throughout the 10 days, Modi's prime focus was Rahul Gandhi, the eligibility of the Congress president for prime ministership in the next election and attacking Karnataka's Congress chief minister&nbsp;Siddaramaiah.

It felt more like it was May 2019 General Elections then Karnataka assembly polls being fought in May, 2018.

As prime minister Modi hardly ever spoke about his "vision" for the state which the BJP thinks is its&nbsp;gateway to the south.

In this, the prime minister played to the gallery i.e. the ever-present TV cameras relaying his message Live to every drawing room in the country, not just in Karnataka.&nbsp;

The prime minister looked distracted fighting an assembly poll on a "national scale" - a fact which was picked up by chief minister Siddaramaiah who said both Modi and Adityanath had parachuted into Karnataka at the last moment, a fact which could not be contradicted.

Modi may be BJP's chief "vote-catcher" but it can't feed off his charisma alone, it would be like exposing the "trump card" ahead of the big election in 2019.

The party also has to assess the fact that Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat where Modi's name already has a resonance. In Karnataka local issues matter - a Modi cannot act like "Mr Fixit" for the BJP.

Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often and not addressed the core issues of the state merely having Yeddyurappa to tag along with the prime minister will not get the party a majority.

Neither is every assembly poll a Modi vs Rahul debate or of Sonia's foreign origin. It is time BJP started looking out for "horses for courses",&nbsp;finding a "local star" is the key.

The BJP cannot make the same mistake as parachuting Kiran Bedi in Delhi or pull someone from deep within its rank at the last moment to pitch as CM of a state that trick may not work for too long.

One thing is clear - the BJP has to watch its next step&nbsp;as the countdown begins for General Elections in 2019 otherwise risk playing the old Modi card which the electorate has already seen and experienced, and they know all too well what Brand Modi will bring to the table.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often

PM Modi joined the Karnataka campaign in the last leg with just 10 days to go, in that little time the Indian prime minister addressed over 20 rallies and put the Namo app to good use reaching out to farmers, Dalits and the general public. However, throughout the 10 days, Modi's prime focus was Rahul Gandhi, the eligibility of the Congress president for prime ministership in the next election and attacking Karnataka's Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah. It felt more like it was May 2019 General Elections then Karnataka assembly polls being fought in May, 2018. As prime minister Modi hardly ever spoke about his "vision" for the state which the BJP thinks is its gateway to the south. In this, the prime minister played to the gallery i.e. the ever-present TV cameras relaying his message Live to every drawing room in the country, not just in Karnataka. The prime minister looked distracted fighting an assembly poll on a "national scale" - a fact which was picked up by chief minister Siddaramaiah who said both Modi and Adityanath had parachuted into Karnataka at the last moment, a fact which could not be contradicted. Modi may be BJP's chief "vote-catcher" but it can't feed off his charisma alone, it would be like exposing the "trump card" ahead of the big election in 2019. The party also has to assess the fact that Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat where Modi's name already has a resonance. In Karnataka local issues matter - a Modi cannot act like "Mr Fixit" for the BJP. Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often and not addressed the core issues of the state merely having Yeddyurappa to tag along with the prime minister will not get the party a majority. Neither is every assembly poll a Modi vs Rahul debate or of Sonia's foreign origin. It is time BJP started looking out for "horses for courses", finding a "local star" is the key. The BJP cannot make the same mistake as parachuting Kiran Bedi in Delhi or pull someone from deep within its rank at the last moment to pitch as CM of a state that trick may not work for too long. One thing is clear - the BJP has to watch its next step as the countdown begins for General Elections in 2019 otherwise risk playing the old Modi card which the electorate has already seen and experienced, and they know all too well what Brand Modi will bring to the table. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Assembly elections: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win

After battling months of dust, noise and the heat of the gruelling campaign in the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can now chill. Maybe he can relish a cup of coffee sitting in the comfort of his home. Or go for a morning stroll, or even catch up on sleep.

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So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend. 
 
We are coming back. 2/2
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484103611908098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In one of the bitterly fought elections in the recent times,&nbsp; Karnataka elections saw political mud-slinging that we have seldom witnessed in the past.

Both BJP and Congress unleashed all the ammunition available at their disposal from their arsenal on the political battleground called Karnataka in one of the hard-fought, bitter elections in the recent past. Both the parties left no stone unturned in their quest to inflict maximum injury on their opponents in order to come to power in the southern state.

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Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days 
 
Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet 
 
Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484100957007872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The elections also saw both parties unleashing social media to portray the other as inept, unprincipled, and corrupt.

Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular) cobbled together considerable resources to bolster their social media reach ahead of Karnataka elections.

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Prime Minister confuses loyalty (dogs are considered loyal to their masters) with patriotism because he doesn’t understand loyalty. 
 
What lessons in loyalty can we learn from a man who couldn’t be loyal to his staunchest supporter & mentor Shri LK Advani? 
 
Thanks Satish Acharya <a href="https://t.co/E6jZhtmZoz">pic.twitter.com/E6jZhtmZoz</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/994115096614846464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, the BJP may have had an edge over social media when it comes to electoral battle, but the Congress is not far behind. Realising the potential of the social media, though a tad late, Congress seems is out to exploit its potential to the hilt as we have seen it from the Karnataka and Gujarat Assembly elections.

In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter, with both putting up posts in Kannada as well to expand their reach on social media.

When Narendra Modi taunted the Congress with PPP remark (After May 15 (when poll results will be declared), Indian National Congress will be reduced to ‘PPP Congress' - P for Punjab, P for Puducherry, and P for Parivar (family)), Siddaramaiah's Twitter handle lost little time to return the compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on the Congress.

The Congress leader took to Twitter and called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party.

"Dear Modiji, Heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today.

Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack.

"While your party is a 'Prison', 'Price Rise' & 'Pakoda' party. Am I right, Sir? #NijaHeliModi," he added.

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Dear Modi ಅವರೇ, 
 
Heard you spun a new abbreviation ‘PPP’ today. 
 
Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People’. 
 
While your party is a ‘Prison’, ‘Price Rise’ & ‘Pakoda’ party. 
 
Am I right, Sir?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NijaHeliModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NijaHeliModi</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/992733277063593990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Chief Minister has 1.6 lakh followers on Twitter, nearly half of what his rival and former chief minister Mr Yeddyurappa has. However, Congress has not only upped its game, it has doubled it.

The 72.36 per cent turnout in Saturday’s elections is new record for the State, surpassing the 71.90 per cent polling 40 years ago in 1978. The 2013 Assembly polls recorded a turnout of 71.45. However, the high turn out has not resulted in a clear majority to any one party as per exit polls.

While one exit poll projected a clear majority to Congress, a couple of them said that the BJP will cross the half-way mark. However, most of the exit polls have projected a hung assembly.

Siddaramaiah,&nbsp; who was a social media novice until mid-2016,&nbsp; emerged as the Congress’ best answer to the BJP’s social media prowess. Whether it's witty one-liners or scathing attack, the Congress CM from Karnataka matched the BJP stride for stride but can he outmuscle and outmanoeuvre BJP in the electoral battleground to get a comfortable majority to form the government?

We will have the answer tomorrow.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter.

After battling months of dust, noise and the heat of the gruelling campaign in the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can now chill. Maybe he can relish a cup of coffee sitting in the comfort of his home. Or go for a morning stroll, or even catch up on sleep. So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend. We are coming back. 2/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × In one of the bitterly fought elections in the recent times, Karnataka elections saw political mud-slinging that we have seldom witnessed in the past. Both BJP and Congress unleashed all the ammunition available at their disposal from their arsenal on the political battleground called Karnataka in one of the hard-fought, bitter elections in the recent past. Both the parties left no stone unturned in their quest to inflict maximum injury on their opponents in order to come to power in the southern state. Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × The elections also saw both parties unleashing social media to portray the other as inept, unprincipled, and corrupt. Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular) cobbled together considerable resources to bolster their social media reach ahead of Karnataka elections. Prime Minister confuses loyalty (dogs are considered loyal to their masters) with patriotism because he doesn’t understand loyalty. What lessons in loyalty can we learn from a man who couldn’t be loyal to his staunchest supporter & mentor Shri LK Advani? Thanks Satish Acharya pic.twitter.com/E6jZhtmZoz — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 9, 2018 × However, the BJP may have had an edge over social media when it comes to electoral battle, but the Congress is not far behind. Realising the potential of the social media, though a tad late, Congress seems is out to exploit its potential to the hilt as we have seen it from the Karnataka and Gujarat Assembly elections. In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter, with both putting up posts in Kannada as well to expand their reach on social media. When Narendra Modi taunted the Congress with PPP remark (After May 15 (when poll results will be declared), Indian National Congress will be reduced to ‘PPP Congress' - P for Punjab, P for Puducherry, and P for Parivar (family)), Siddaramaiah's Twitter handle lost little time to return the compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on the Congress. The Congress leader took to Twitter and called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party. "Dear Modiji, Heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack. "While your party is a 'Prison', 'Price Rise' & 'Pakoda' party. Am I right, Sir? #NijaHeliModi," he added. Dear Modi ಅವರೇ, Heard you spun a new abbreviation ‘PPP’ today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People’. While your party is a ‘Prison’, ‘Price Rise’ & ‘Pakoda’ party. Am I right, Sir?#NijaHeliModi — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 5, 2018 × The Chief Minister has 1.6 lakh followers on Twitter, nearly half of what his rival and former chief minister Mr Yeddyurappa has. However, Congress has not only upped its game, it has doubled it. The 72.36 per cent turnout in Saturday’s elections is new record for the State, surpassing the 71.90 per cent polling 40 years ago in 1978. The 2013 Assembly polls recorded a turnout of 71.45. However, the high turn out has not resulted in a clear majority to any one party as per exit polls. While one exit poll projected a clear majority to Congress, a couple of them said that the BJP will cross the half-way mark. However, most of the exit polls have projected a hung assembly. Siddaramaiah, who was a social media novice until mid-2016, emerged as the Congress’ best answer to the BJP’s social media prowess. Whether it's witty one-liners or scathing attack, the Congress CM from Karnataka matched the BJP stride for stride but can he outmuscle and outmanoeuvre BJP in the electoral battleground to get a comfortable majority to form the government? We will have the answer tomorrow. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Siddaramaiah has won the Twitter battle but can he defy exit polls?

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2.

This implies that no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority.

In such a scenario, the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda will assume the role of a kingmaker in the later stage of government formation in this southern state. Though the final picture will emerge only after the counting of votes on May 15, the exit poll predictions have clearly shattered the hopes of Congress to retain power in the state for the second time and the BJP, which was hoping to make a comeback, putting the ball in the HD Deve Gowda's court.

Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka.

-According to Suvarna exit poll survey for Karnataka, Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, BJP 79-92, JD-S 22-30 and others 1-4 seats in the southern state.

-According to ABP exit poll, BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, Congress 87-99, JD-S 21-30 and others 1-8 in Karnataka.&nbsp;

-Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit polls on Karnataka assembly elections 2018 predicts that BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. Congress is likely to win 73-82, JD-S 32-42 seats and other 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, Congress had won 122 seats, BJP and JD-S had ended with 40 seats each while 22 seats were won by others and independents.

-According to IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, BJP may win 87 seats, Congress 97 seats, JD-S 35 seats in Karnataka, the survey predicts a hung assembly. &nbsp;

-News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, Congress second with 72-78 seats, JD-S + third with 35-39 and others will get 3-5 seats. &nbsp;

-According to Times Now-VMR Exit poll on Karnataka Assembly elections, Congress will 90-103 seats, BJP 82-93, JDS 31-39 and others 2-4. Karnataka has a 225-member assembly of which the voting takes place for 224 seats. But this time voting was held for 222 seats only. The results will be declared on May 15&nbsp;

-Congress will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka Assembly elections 2018 with 106-118 seats, BJP second with 79-92, JD-S+ 22-30 and others 1 to 4, according to According to Suvarna exit poll survey for Karnataka, Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, BJP 79-92, JD-S 22-30 and others 1-4 seats in the southern state.

Polling was held today for 222 seats in the 224-seat Karnataka assembly.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The high-stakes battle for the Karnataka Assembly ended on Saturday evening, with over 35 million voting in an election crucial for the ruling Congress as well as the BJP and the JD-S.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was "very very confident" that the Congress would retain power in the only major southern state it now rules even as officials said about 70 percent of the over 5.06 crore electorate had voted till 6 pm.

Voting was peaceful by and large barring a few incidents of some non-functional EVMs, missing voter names and procedural delays, a poll panel official said.

All three main contenders for power - Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) - claimed they would win hands down.

Voting in Chikkaballapur and Ramanagara districts witnessed a record 76 percent polling, while the average polling across Bengaluru was 48 percent till 5.30 pm.

The BJP's Chief Ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa was among the first to vote at Shikaripura in Shivamogga district. He has claimed that the BJP will secure 140-150 seats and that he will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his swearing in.

Siddaramaiah ridiculed him after voting on Saturday, saying the BJP leader was "mentally disturbed" and that the Congress was sure of bagging more than 120 seats.

JD-S chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, his wife Chennamma and second son HD Revanna cast their votes in their hometown Holenarsipura in Hassan district.

Polling in Bengaluru's Raja Rajeshwari Nagar segment has been postponed to May 28 following the discovery of voter ID cards and cancelled in the city's Jayanagar seat following the death of BJP contestant BN Vijaya Kumar.

In all, voting was conducted in 26 of the 28 constituencies in the city.

Karnataka has over 5.06 crore electorate, including 2.6 crore men and 2.5 crore women. A total of 15.42 lakh voters, aged 18-19, have registered for the first time.

The highest number of voters (6.03 lakh) are in Bengaluru South and the lowest (1.7 lakh) at Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district.

Polling was held in 58,008 stations in 30 districts, with 600 of them dubbed 'pink booths', overseen by women personnel. Over 1.5 lakh security personnel were deployed.

The vote count will take place on May 15.

In all, 2,654 candidates are in the fray, including 219 women. A total of 222 are from the Congress and BJP each, 201 from JD-S, 1,155 Independents and 800 from other national, regional and fringe parties. About 450 contestants are in the battle from Bengaluru.

Siddaramaiah is contesting from Chamundeshwari at Mysuru and Badami in Bagalkot district.

BJP's Lok Sabha member from Ballari B.R. Sriramaulu, contesting from two seats including Badami and Molakamuru (reserved) seat in Chitradurga district, on Saturday worshipped a cow and visited temples before voting.

JD-S state president and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is in the fray from Ramanagara and Channapatna seats in the old Mysuru region. Yeddyurappa is contesting from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district in Malnad region.

Siddaramaiah has fielded his son Yatindra from his hometown Varuna in Mysuru district.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2. This implies that no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority. In such a scenario, the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda will assume the role of a kingmaker in the later stage of government formation in this southern state. Though the final picture will emerge only after the counting of votes on May 15, the exit poll predictions have clearly shattered the hopes of Congress to retain power in the state for the second time and the BJP, which was hoping to make a comeback, putting the ball in the HD Deve Gowda's court. Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka. -According to Suvarna exit poll survey for Karnataka, Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, BJP 79-92, JD-S 22-30 and others 1-4 seats in the southern state. -According to ABP exit poll, BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, Congress 87-99, JD-S 21-30 and others 1-8 in Karnataka. -Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit polls on Karnataka assembly elections 2018 predicts that BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. Congress is likely to win 73-82, JD-S 32-42 seats and other 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, Congress had won 122 seats, BJP and JD-S had ended with 40 seats each while 22 seats were won by others and independents. -According to IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, BJP may win 87 seats, Congress 97 seats, JD-S 35 seats in Karnataka, the survey predicts a hung assembly. -News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, Congress second with 72-78 seats, JD-S + third with 35-39 and others will get 3-5 seats. -According to Times Now-VMR Exit poll on Karnataka Assembly elections, Congress will 90-103 seats, BJP 82-93, JDS 31-39 and others 2-4. Karnataka has a 225-member assembly of which the voting takes place for 224 seats. But this time voting was held for 222 seats only. The results will be declared on May 15 -Congress will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka Assembly elections 2018 with 106-118 seats, BJP second with 79-92, JD-S+ 22-30 and others 1 to 4, according to According to Suvarna exit poll survey for Karnataka, Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, BJP 79-92, JD-S 22-30 and others 1-4 seats in the southern state. Polling was held today for 222 seats in the 224-seat Karnataka assembly. The high-stakes battle for the Karnataka Assembly ended on Saturday evening, with over 35 million voting in an election crucial for the ruling Congress as well as the BJP and the JD-S. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was "very very confident" that the Congress would retain power in the only major southern state it now rules even as officials said about 70 percent of the over 5.06 crore electorate had voted till 6 pm. Voting was peaceful by and large barring a few incidents of some non-functional EVMs, missing voter names and procedural delays, a poll panel official said. All three main contenders for power - Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) - claimed they would win hands down. Voting in Chikkaballapur and Ramanagara districts witnessed a record 76 percent polling, while the average polling across Bengaluru was 48 percent till 5.30 pm. The BJP's Chief Ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa was among the first to vote at Shikaripura in Shivamogga district. He has claimed that the BJP will secure 140-150 seats and that he will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his swearing in. Siddaramaiah ridiculed him after voting on Saturday, saying the BJP leader was "mentally disturbed" and that the Congress was sure of bagging more than 120 seats. JD-S chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, his wife Chennamma and second son HD Revanna cast their votes in their hometown Holenarsipura in Hassan district. Polling in Bengaluru's Raja Rajeshwari Nagar segment has been postponed to May 28 following the discovery of voter ID cards and cancelled in the city's Jayanagar seat following the death of BJP contestant BN Vijaya Kumar. In all, voting was conducted in 26 of the 28 constituencies in the city. Karnataka has over 5.06 crore electorate, including 2.6 crore men and 2.5 crore women. A total of 15.42 lakh voters, aged 18-19, have registered for the first time. The highest number of voters (6.03 lakh) are in Bengaluru South and the lowest (1.7 lakh) at Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district. Polling was held in 58,008 stations in 30 districts, with 600 of them dubbed 'pink booths', overseen by women personnel. Over 1.5 lakh security personnel were deployed. The vote count will take place on May 15. In all, 2,654 candidates are in the fray, including 219 women. A total of 222 are from the Congress and BJP each, 201 from JD-S, 1,155 Independents and 800 from other national, regional and fringe parties. About 450 contestants are in the battle from Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah is contesting from Chamundeshwari at Mysuru and Badami in Bagalkot district. BJP's Lok Sabha member from Ballari B.R. Sriramaulu, contesting from two seats including Badami and Molakamuru (reserved) seat in Chitradurga district, on Saturday worshipped a cow and visited temples before voting. JD-S state president and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is in the fray from Ramanagara and Channapatna seats in the old Mysuru region. Yeddyurappa is contesting from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district in Malnad region. Siddaramaiah has fielded his son Yatindra from his hometown Varuna in Mysuru district.

Exit polls: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka; BJP has slight edge

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">slight</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419"> edge</a>

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">One dead, 4 injured after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">knife</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433"> attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility</a>

A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe.

The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-at-least-two-dead-13-injured-after-bomb-attacks-on-churches-136435">Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches</a>

At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">accident</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437"> from leaving </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">country</a>

A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/very-smart-and-gracious-gesture-trump-thanks-north-korea-for-promising-to-destroy-nuclear-test-site-136434">'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site</a>

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site.&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.&nbsp;

Read the five big stories of the day here

Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has slight edge The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2. One dead, 4 injured after knife attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe. The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night. Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia. The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city. Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in accident from leaving country A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures. 'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site. North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.

News brief: Big stories of the day

"I am not prepared to accept or reject anything, let's wait for May 15," former prime minister Deve Gowda said Sunday after exit polls suggested voters have returned a hung verdict in the Karnataka elections.&nbsp;

The exit polls however give the BJP a slight edge.&nbsp;

According to the Zee Maha exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 102 seats, the Congress 92, the JD(S) 26, and others, including independents, 2.

That implies no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority.

If the exit polls should turn out to be correct, that will leave the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda in the position of kingmaker when it comes to government formation.&nbsp;

That means the the BJP or the Congress will require the support of the JD(S) to form a government in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Karnataka went to the polls on Saturday.&nbsp;

The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

"We will get to know the reality" then, said Deve Gowda on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-says-exit-polls-are-entertainment-after-they-give-bjp-edge-in-karnataka-tells-party-workers-to-enjoy-weekend-136452">Siddaramaiah says exit polls are 'entertainment' after they give BJP edge in Karnataka</a>

Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka:

- According to the Suvarna exit poll, the Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, the BJP 79-92, the JD(S) 22-30, and others 1-4 seats.

- According to the ABP exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, the Congress 87-99, the JD(S) 21-30, and others 1-8.&nbsp;

- The Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit poll says the BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. The Congress is likely to win 73-82, the JD(S) 32-42 seats, and others 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, the Congress had won 122 seats, the BJP and JD(S) ended up with 40 seats each, while 22 seats were won by others and independents.

- According to the IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, the BJP will win 87 seats, the Congress will win 97 seats, and the JD(S) 35 seats. &nbsp;

- The News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts the BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, the Congress will come second with 72-78 seats, the JD(S) third with 35-39 seats, while others will get 3-5 seats.

- According to the Times Now-VMR exit poll, the Congress will win 90-103 seats, the BJP 82-93, the JD(S) 31-39 and others 2-4.

Karnataka has a 225-member assembly.&nbsp;

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I am not prepared to accept or reject anything, let's wait for 15th May (counting of votes ), we will get to know the reality: Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ffOPCubX0B">pic.twitter.com/ffOPCubX0B</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995535682822000640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The exit polls give the BJP a slight edge. 'Let's wait for 15th May,' said Gowda. 'We will get to know the reality'

"I am not prepared to accept or reject anything, let's wait for May 15," former prime minister Deve Gowda said Sunday after exit polls suggested voters have returned a hung verdict in the Karnataka elections. The exit polls however give the BJP a slight edge. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 102 seats, the Congress 92, the JD(S) 26, and others, including independents, 2. That implies no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority. If the exit polls should turn out to be correct, that will leave the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda in the position of kingmaker when it comes to government formation. That means the the BJP or the Congress will require the support of the JD(S) to form a government in Karnataka. Karnataka went to the polls on Saturday. The results will be out on May 15. "We will get to know the reality" then, said Deve Gowda on Sunday. Also read: Siddaramaiah says exit polls are 'entertainment' after they give BJP edge in Karnataka Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka: - According to the Suvarna exit poll, the Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, the BJP 79-92, the JD(S) 22-30, and others 1-4 seats. - According to the ABP exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, the Congress 87-99, the JD(S) 21-30, and others 1-8. - The Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit poll says the BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. The Congress is likely to win 73-82, the JD(S) 32-42 seats, and others 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, the Congress had won 122 seats, the BJP and JD(S) ended up with 40 seats each, while 22 seats were won by others and independents. - According to the IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, the BJP will win 87 seats, the Congress will win 97 seats, and the JD(S) 35 seats. - The News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts the BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, the Congress will come second with 72-78 seats, the JD(S) third with 35-39 seats, while others will get 3-5 seats. - According to the Times Now-VMR exit poll, the Congress will win 90-103 seats, the BJP 82-93, the JD(S) 31-39 and others 2-4. Karnataka has a 225-member assembly. I am not prepared to accept or reject anything, let's wait for 15th May (counting of votes ), we will get to know the reality: Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda on #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ffOPCubX0B — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 ×

Will JD(S)'s Deve Gowda support BJP or Congress in Karnataka? 'Let's wait,' he says

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Sunday that "exit opinion polls are entertainment" after they gave the BJP a slight edge in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Karnataka voted on Saturday and the exit polls are saying the people have returned a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">hung verdict</a>.&nbsp;

The results of the elections will be out on Tuesday, May 15.&nbsp;

"Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days," Siddaramaiah tweeted.&nbsp;

"So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend," he said. Adding, "We are coming back."&nbsp;

According to the Zee Maha exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 102 seats, the Congress 92, the JD(S) 26, and others, including independents, 2.

That implies no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority.

If the exit polls should turn out to be correct, the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda will assume the role of kingmaker in government formation.&nbsp;

Though the final picture will emerge only after the counting of votes on May 15, the exit polls have shattered the Congress'&nbsp;hopes of retaining power in the state and the BJP's hopes of making a comeback, putting for now the ball in HD Deve Gowda's court.

Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka:

- According to the Suvarna exit poll, the Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, the BJP 79-92, the JD(S) 22-30, and others 1-4 seats.

- According to the ABP exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, the Congress 87-99, the JD(S) 21-30, and others 1-8.&nbsp;

- The Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit poll&nbsp;says the BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. The Congress is likely to win 73-82, the JD(S) 32-42 seats, and others 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, the Congress had won 122 seats, the BJP and JD(S) ended up with 40 seats each, while 22 seats were won by others and independents.

- According to the IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, the BJP will win 87 seats, the Congress will win 97 seats, and the JD(S) 35 seats. &nbsp;

- The News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts the BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, the Congress will come second with 72-78 seats, the JD(S) third with 35-39 seats, while others will get 3-5 seats.

- According to the Times Now-VMR exit poll, the Congress will win 90-103 seats, the BJP 82-93, the JD(S) 31-39 and others 2-4.

Karnataka has a 225-member assembly.&nbsp;

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Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days 
 
Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet 
 
Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484100957007872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend. 
 
We are coming back. 2/2
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484103611908098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Karnataka voted on Saturday and the exit polls are saying the people have returned a hung verdict. That would make the JD(S) headed by former prime minister HD Deve Gowda a kingmaker when it comes to government formation

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Sunday that "exit opinion polls are entertainment" after they gave the BJP a slight edge in Karnataka. Karnataka voted on Saturday and the exit polls are saying the people have returned a hung verdict. The results of the elections will be out on Tuesday, May 15. "Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days," Siddaramaiah tweeted. "So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend," he said. Adding, "We are coming back." According to the Zee Maha exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 102 seats, the Congress 92, the JD(S) 26, and others, including independents, 2. That implies no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority. If the exit polls should turn out to be correct, the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda will assume the role of kingmaker in government formation. Though the final picture will emerge only after the counting of votes on May 15, the exit polls have shattered the Congress' hopes of retaining power in the state and the BJP's hopes of making a comeback, putting for now the ball in HD Deve Gowda's court. Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka: - According to the Suvarna exit poll, the Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, the BJP 79-92, the JD(S) 22-30, and others 1-4 seats. - According to the ABP exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, the Congress 87-99, the JD(S) 21-30, and others 1-8. - The Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit poll says the BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. The Congress is likely to win 73-82, the JD(S) 32-42 seats, and others 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, the Congress had won 122 seats, the BJP and JD(S) ended up with 40 seats each, while 22 seats were won by others and independents. - According to the IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, the BJP will win 87 seats, the Congress will win 97 seats, and the JD(S) 35 seats. - The News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts the BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, the Congress will come second with 72-78 seats, the JD(S) third with 35-39 seats, while others will get 3-5 seats. - According to the Times Now-VMR exit poll, the Congress will win 90-103 seats, the BJP 82-93, the JD(S) 31-39 and others 2-4. Karnataka has a 225-member assembly. Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend. We are coming back. 2/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 ×

Siddaramaiah says exit polls are 'entertainment' after they give BJP edge in Karnataka

Hebbal assembly constituency in Karnataka will hold re-polling as the votings were disrupted in the constituency due to EVM failure.

The re-polling in the constituency will take place on May 14.

The re-polling will be done in&nbsp;station number 2 of the constituency.

The polling in Karnataka assembly election ended with&nbsp;70 per cent voter turnout across the state.

The Badami constituency where Congress chief minister&nbsp;contested against BJP's Sriramulu, witnessed&nbsp;less voter turnout. Polling booth number 142, 143 and 144 in Tippu Nagar of the constituency experienced less voting as the residents of the region had moved out of the districts due to lack of employment.

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a>: Re-polling to take place in Hebbal assembly constituency's Polling Station Number 2 after polling was stopped due to EVM failure. <a href="https://t.co/IS14p1hvVe">pic.twitter.com/IS14p1hvVe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995275050918920192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The re-polling will be done in station number 2 of the constituency

Hebbal assembly constituency in Karnataka will hold re-polling as the votings were disrupted in the constituency due to EVM failure. The re-polling in the constituency will take place on May 14. The re-polling will be done in station number 2 of the constituency. The polling in Karnataka assembly election ended with 70 per cent voter turnout across the state. The Badami constituency where Congress chief minister contested against BJP's Sriramulu, witnessed less voter turnout. Polling booth number 142, 143 and 144 in Tippu Nagar of the constituency experienced less voting as the residents of the region had moved out of the districts due to lack of employment. #KarnatakaElections2018: Re-polling to take place in Hebbal assembly constituency's Polling Station Number 2 after polling was stopped due to EVM failure. pic.twitter.com/IS14p1hvVe — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 ×

Karnataka elections: Hebbal constituency to undergo repolling due to EVM failure

Over 3.5 crore&nbsp;people registered their votes in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-live-updates-voting-begins-as--siddaramaiah-tries-to-break-33-year-old-jinx-136233"> Karnataka assembly elections</a> that ended on May 12.

While the state recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent, the figures are expected to go up as the pollings continued in some areas.

Some polling stations of Hebbal constituency also experienced non-functional EVMs and will, therefore, conduct re-polling.

Polling in Bengaluru's Raja Rajeshwari Nagar segment has been postponed to May 28 following the discovery of voter ID cards.

The elections in Bengaluru's Jayanagar seat were cancelled following the death of BJP contestant BN Vijaya Kumar.

The elections in the state are crucial for both the ruling Congress as well as the BJP. Both the parties are showing confidence in securing a victory in the state.

While the state recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent, the figures are expected to go up as the pollings continued in some areas

Over 3.5 crore people registered their votes in the Karnataka assembly elections that ended on May 12. While the state recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent, the figures are expected to go up as the pollings continued in some areas. Some polling stations of Hebbal constituency also experienced non-functional EVMs and will, therefore, conduct re-polling. Polling in Bengaluru's Raja Rajeshwari Nagar segment has been postponed to May 28 following the discovery of voter ID cards. The elections in Bengaluru's Jayanagar seat were cancelled following the death of BJP contestant BN Vijaya Kumar. The elections in the state are crucial for both the ruling Congress as well as the BJP. Both the parties are showing confidence in securing a victory in the state.

Karnataka polls end with over 70% voter turnout

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-admits-pak-militant-groups-role-in-mumbai-terror-attacks--136372">Nawaz Sharif admits Pakistan militant group's role in Mumbai terror attacks</a>

In an interview to a Pakistani media,&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-sc-disqualifies-nawaz-sharif-from-holding-office-for-life-130297">ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif&nbsp</a>has admitted to Pakistan's role in the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-live-updates-voting-begins-as--siddaramaiah-tries-to-break-33-year-old-jinx-136233">Karnataka polls 2018 live: 64% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm across state</a>

Polling for Karnataka assembly election ends with over 64% voter turnout reported till 5 pm.

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Hailing Nepal's successful journey from bullets to ballots, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that India is ready to be the "sherpa" (mountain guide) to help Nepal scale the mountain of success.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-defence-minister-gets-additional-portfolio-of-foreign-affairs-136362">Pakistan: Defence minister gets </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-defence-minister-gets-additional-portfolio-of-foreign-affairs-136362">additional</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-defence-minister-gets-additional-portfolio-of-foreign-affairs-136362"> portfolio of foreign affairs</a>

Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khurram Dastagir Khan, was given the additional portfolio of foreign affairs ministry on Friday.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's trip to Singapore for talks with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump poses logistical challenges that are likely to include using Soviet-era aircraft to carry him and his limousine, as well as dozens of security and other support staff.

Nawaz Sharif admits Pakistan militant group's role in Mumbai terror attacks In an interview to a Pakistani media, ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has admitted to Pakistan's role in the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai. Karnataka polls 2018 live: 64% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm across state Polling for Karnataka assembly election ends with over 64% voter turnout reported till 5 pm. India ready to be 'sherpa' to help Nepal scale mountain of success: PM Modi Hailing Nepal's successful journey from bullets to ballots, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that India is ready to be the "sherpa" (mountain guide) to help Nepal scale the mountain of success. Pakistan: Defence minister gets additional portfolio of foreign affairs Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khurram Dastagir Khan, was given the additional portfolio of foreign affairs ministry on Friday. Trump, Kim summit in Singapore presents logistical challenges for North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's trip to Singapore for talks with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump poses logistical challenges that are likely to include using Soviet-era aircraft to carry him and his limousine, as well as dozens of security and other support staff.

After his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yeddyurappa-is-mentally-disturbed-says-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah--136333"> comments on BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa</a>, Siddaramaiah has now targetted the party president Amit Shah and called him "a comedy show".&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said that they were not worried about&nbsp;losing the elections as Amit Shah is like "a comedy show and Modi's "image had drastically&nbsp;declined".

He said, " This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore&nbsp;we are not worried."&nbsp;

Earlier the Congress leader Siddaramaiah&nbsp;had&nbsp;called BS Yeddyurappa ''mentally disturbed".&nbsp;

Dismissing&nbsp;the claims made by Yeddyurappa about his party winning 150 seats and forming the government in the state on May 17, Siddaramaiah called him "mentally disturbed".

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He said, 'This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried'

After his comments on BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Siddaramaiah has now targetted the party president Amit Shah and called him "a comedy show". He said that they were not worried about losing the elections as Amit Shah is like "a comedy show and Modi's "image had drastically declined". He said, " This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried." Earlier the Congress leader Siddaramaiah had called BS Yeddyurappa ''mentally disturbed". Dismissing the claims made by Yeddyurappa about his party winning 150 seats and forming the government in the state on May 17, Siddaramaiah called him "mentally disturbed". This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image has drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah#KarnatakaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/gmdl3lYlB6 — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 ×

'Amit Shah is like a comedy show': Siddaramaiah

Polling in RR Nagar in Bengaluru has been deferred to may 28.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, 9,746 voter IDs were recovered from a flat in the area.&nbsp;

Both the Congress and the BJP accused each other of being responsible for the ID cards.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a campaign rally that the Congress was making fake voter IDs in order to avoid defeat.&nbsp;

The Congress meanwhile said both the owner and tenant of the flat from where the voter IDs were recovered were BJP leaders.&nbsp;

The counting of votes at RR Nagar will take place on May 31.&nbsp;

Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

The counting of votes at RR Nagar will take place on May 31. Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12

Polling in RR Nagar in Bengaluru has been deferred to may 28. Earlier this week, 9,746 voter IDs were recovered from a flat in the area. Both the Congress and the BJP accused each other of being responsible for the ID cards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a campaign rally that the Congress was making fake voter IDs in order to avoid defeat. The Congress meanwhile said both the owner and tenant of the flat from where the voter IDs were recovered were BJP leaders. The counting of votes at RR Nagar will take place on May 31. Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The results will be out on May 15.

Polling in Bengaluru's RR Nagar, where fake voter IDs were found, deferred to May 28

Campaigning in Karnataka has come to an end, with high-intensity rallies being carried out by both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to woo voters in their favour in both rural and urban areas.

According to Election Commission data, Karnataka consists of 70 urban and 154 rural assembly constituencies.

While nearly half of the urban constituencies are in Bengaluru city (28), the rest are spread across seven city corporations - 43 city municipal councils (CMCs), 65 town municipal councils (TMCs) and 92 town panchayats (TPs).

Drawing from the experience of the Gujarat assembly elections in December last year, it was observed then that the BJP held strong ground in urban Gujarat, while the Congress had the rural voter segment in its grip.

Assembly polls in Karnataka take place tomorrow, and it will be worth a watch to see whether the BJP can work its magic in rural and urban areas, or will they concede defeat to the grand old party for the second time.

While the election results in Gujarat depicted a clear urban-rural divide, a similar situation is hard to ascertain in Karnataka, based on the results of the past two elections.

A cursory glance at the 2008 and 2013 elections in Karnataka shows that results could go either way, thereby eliminating the possibility of a clear-cut pattern in voting.

Taking Bengaluru into account, which has the most urban constituencies, the BJP, in 2008, won in 17 out of 28 seats, while the Congress won nearly 60 percent of the rural seats in the state.

Tables, however, turned in 2013, with the Congress winning 13 seats, one more than the BJP.

It must also be noted that in 2008, campaigning largely focused on the rural population, while in 2013, the urban voter dominated the decision-making process.

While the rural population is looking forward to increased availability of electricity, clean drinking water, education and job opportunities, the urban voter is more concerned about commuting through the harrowing, traffic congested streets of India`s IT hub.

Opinion polls conducted across the state have shown that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah`s campaign is leaning towards the rural population, be it his emphasis on promoting Kannada or the importance of preserving the state`s culture and heritage.

While these may garner votes in the Congress` favour, the alarming rate of farmer suicides in this stratum could swing votes in either direction.

The BJP too has been capitalising on the opportunity to hold the Siddaramaiah government responsible for the plight of farmers and the lack of basic amenities, which may open doors for the former to woo rural voters.

Opinion polls have also stated that the BJP may secure a higher share of votes in urban Karnataka, as many feel that issues related to Bengaluru have not been tackled during the Congress reign, be it infrastructural congestion, growing traffic, pollution of lakes, inefficient management of garbage, delays in the Metro rail construction, all of which have contributed to a disruptive existence.

Although campaigning has been extensively rural-centric, the urban voters, along with the final stance of the Janata Dal (Secular) would be game-changers.

Karnataka will elect representatives to 224-seat assembly on May 15. A total of 2,655 candidates are in the fray and 4.96 lakh people, including 2.52 crore men and 2.44 crore women, will take part in the election.

Over 15 lakh are first-time voters in the 18-19 years age group.

The population of Karnataka in 2018 as per estimated data is over 68 million. The literacy rate is 75.36 percent as per latest data.

About 84 percent of its people are Hindu, 13 percent Muslim, 1.9 percent Christian, 0.16 percent Buddhist and 0.05 percent Sikh.

Kannada is the official language of the state and is spoken by 66.26 percent of the population.

The population density of the state is 319 persons per square kilometre. The number of people living per square kilometer in the city has extended to 4,378 in the year 2011 from 2,985 in 2001.

The BJP has fielded 224 candidates, while Congress and JD (S) have fielded 222 and 201 seats respectively.

The election is considered significant for the incumbent Congress, who wants to retain power in the southern state ahead of the next year`s general elections, while the BJP is going the extra mile to dethrone the Siddaramaiah government and come back to power after a decade under the leadership of former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.

The JD(S), too, is looking to establish itself once again in the state`s politics and is being perceived as a game changer in the state.

Karnataka consists of 70 urban and 154 rural assembly constituencies.

Campaigning in Karnataka has come to an end, with high-intensity rallies being carried out by both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to woo voters in their favour in both rural and urban areas. According to Election Commission data, Karnataka consists of 70 urban and 154 rural assembly constituencies. While nearly half of the urban constituencies are in Bengaluru city (28), the rest are spread across seven city corporations - 43 city municipal councils (CMCs), 65 town municipal councils (TMCs) and 92 town panchayats (TPs). Drawing from the experience of the Gujarat assembly elections in December last year, it was observed then that the BJP held strong ground in urban Gujarat, while the Congress had the rural voter segment in its grip. Assembly polls in Karnataka take place tomorrow, and it will be worth a watch to see whether the BJP can work its magic in rural and urban areas, or will they concede defeat to the grand old party for the second time. While the election results in Gujarat depicted a clear urban-rural divide, a similar situation is hard to ascertain in Karnataka, based on the results of the past two elections. A cursory glance at the 2008 and 2013 elections in Karnataka shows that results could go either way, thereby eliminating the possibility of a clear-cut pattern in voting. Taking Bengaluru into account, which has the most urban constituencies, the BJP, in 2008, won in 17 out of 28 seats, while the Congress won nearly 60 percent of the rural seats in the state. Tables, however, turned in 2013, with the Congress winning 13 seats, one more than the BJP. It must also be noted that in 2008, campaigning largely focused on the rural population, while in 2013, the urban voter dominated the decision-making process. While the rural population is looking forward to increased availability of electricity, clean drinking water, education and job opportunities, the urban voter is more concerned about commuting through the harrowing, traffic congested streets of India`s IT hub. Opinion polls conducted across the state have shown that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah`s campaign is leaning towards the rural population, be it his emphasis on promoting Kannada or the importance of preserving the state`s culture and heritage. While these may garner votes in the Congress` favour, the alarming rate of farmer suicides in this stratum could swing votes in either direction. The BJP too has been capitalising on the opportunity to hold the Siddaramaiah government responsible for the plight of farmers and the lack of basic amenities, which may open doors for the former to woo rural voters. Opinion polls have also stated that the BJP may secure a higher share of votes in urban Karnataka, as many feel that issues related to Bengaluru have not been tackled during the Congress reign, be it infrastructural congestion, growing traffic, pollution of lakes, inefficient management of garbage, delays in the Metro rail construction, all of which have contributed to a disruptive existence. Although campaigning has been extensively rural-centric, the urban voters, along with the final stance of the Janata Dal (Secular) would be game-changers. Karnataka will elect representatives to 224-seat assembly on May 15. A total of 2,655 candidates are in the fray and 4.96 lakh people, including 2.52 crore men and 2.44 crore women, will take part in the election. Over 15 lakh are first-time voters in the 18-19 years age group. The population of Karnataka in 2018 as per estimated data is over 68 million. The literacy rate is 75.36 percent as per latest data. About 84 percent of its people are Hindu, 13 percent Muslim, 1.9 percent Christian, 0.16 percent Buddhist and 0.05 percent Sikh. Kannada is the official language of the state and is spoken by 66.26 percent of the population. The population density of the state is 319 persons per square kilometre. The number of people living per square kilometer in the city has extended to 4,378 in the year 2011 from 2,985 in 2001. The BJP has fielded 224 candidates, while Congress and JD (S) have fielded 222 and 201 seats respectively. The election is considered significant for the incumbent Congress, who wants to retain power in the southern state ahead of the next year`s general elections, while the BJP is going the extra mile to dethrone the Siddaramaiah government and come back to power after a decade under the leadership of former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. The JD(S), too, is looking to establish itself once again in the state`s politics and is being perceived as a game changer in the state.

Urban-rural divide key to Karnataka poll outcome

Two days after the discovery of a huge cache of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) at an apartment in Bengaluru, police on Thursday registered an FIR naming a sitting Congress MLA Munirathna as one of the accused.

Briefing reporters, the chief electoral officer of Karnataka Sanjeev Kumar said all the reports on the case had been submitted to the Election Commission of India.

Similarly, the deputy commissioner had visited the spot, gathered information and sent a report to headquarters.

He said the commission would take a decision soon whether to countermand the election in Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency where the seizures were made.

Declining to divulge more information, Kumar said, "Every detail of the FIR cannot be shared but what you are saying (about the sitting MLA being an accused) is a fact.."

Asked about the recommendation he has made to the ECI, Kumar said it was not something to be discussed as sharing the details would vitiate the process of decisionmaking.

The CEO said about 800 EPICs found in the apartment were verified and they were found to be 100 per cent genuine and original.

"Some of them are as old as 2012, which cannot be manufactured overnight."

Kumar also clarified that the integrity of the electoral list was not compromised.

"That can be completely ruled out because more than 800 have been thoroughly verified. There is no problem with the electoral roll," he said.

The CEO said the FIR was registered under various IPC sections and the Representation of People Act-1951.

Explaining the modus operandi, Kumar said a systematic survey was carried out in the RR Nagar constituency of each household with photographs of voters and their houses.

Details like their names, cases and even requirements like widow pension card, old age pension card and ration card was done, he said.

"Systematically, it is for influencing the voters. That is very much there. That is the precise case."

To a question whether a person accused of electoral malpractice can contest elections, Kumar said, "Let us not jump to conclusion. FIR is not a charge sheet. FIR is not even a conviction. There are three stages."

Munirathna, however, refuted the allegation.

"I have built many houses under Rajiv Awas Yojana. After giving so many facilities in the constituency, why did I or my party require to collect the voter ID?" he said.

He said such incidents used to take place in Hebbal assembly constituency in Bengaluru where voter IDs of the minorities were collected.

Following registration of the FIR, BJP national president Amit Shah accused Congress of making desperate attempts to win elections in an "undemocratic" way.

He said the developments in the last three days have sent a shockwave among those having faith in democracy.

"The way bogus EPIC were made in a flat at RR Nagar, the way counterfoils of forms for inclusion of voters were found, the way colour printers and computers were found there, it tells us how desperately the Congress wants to win the election," Shah said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer said the commission would take a decision soon whether to countermand the election in Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency where the seizures were made

Two days after the discovery of a huge cache of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) at an apartment in Bengaluru, police on Thursday registered an FIR naming a sitting Congress MLA Munirathna as one of the accused. Briefing reporters, the chief electoral officer of Karnataka Sanjeev Kumar said all the reports on the case had been submitted to the Election Commission of India. Similarly, the deputy commissioner had visited the spot, gathered information and sent a report to headquarters. He said the commission would take a decision soon whether to countermand the election in Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency where the seizures were made. Declining to divulge more information, Kumar said, "Every detail of the FIR cannot be shared but what you are saying (about the sitting MLA being an accused) is a fact.." Asked about the recommendation he has made to the ECI, Kumar said it was not something to be discussed as sharing the details would vitiate the process of decisionmaking. The CEO said about 800 EPICs found in the apartment were verified and they were found to be 100 per cent genuine and original. "Some of them are as old as 2012, which cannot be manufactured overnight." Kumar also clarified that the integrity of the electoral list was not compromised. "That can be completely ruled out because more than 800 have been thoroughly verified. There is no problem with the electoral roll," he said. The CEO said the FIR was registered under various IPC sections and the Representation of People Act-1951. Explaining the modus operandi, Kumar said a systematic survey was carried out in the RR Nagar constituency of each household with photographs of voters and their houses. Details like their names, cases and even requirements like widow pension card, old age pension card and ration card was done, he said. "Systematically, it is for influencing the voters. That is very much there. That is the precise case." To a question whether a person accused of electoral malpractice can contest elections, Kumar said, "Let us not jump to conclusion. FIR is not a charge sheet. FIR is not even a conviction. There are three stages." Munirathna, however, refuted the allegation. "I have built many houses under Rajiv Awas Yojana. After giving so many facilities in the constituency, why did I or my party require to collect the voter ID?" he said. He said such incidents used to take place in Hebbal assembly constituency in Bengaluru where voter IDs of the minorities were collected. Following registration of the FIR, BJP national president Amit Shah accused Congress of making desperate attempts to win elections in an "undemocratic" way. He said the developments in the last three days have sent a shockwave among those having faith in democracy. "The way bogus EPIC were made in a flat at RR Nagar, the way counterfoils of forms for inclusion of voters were found, the way colour printers and computers were found there, it tells us how desperately the Congress wants to win the election," Shah said.

Karnataka fake voter IDs: FIR registered against sitting Congress MLA

In his final Karnataka poll pitch, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-making-fake-voter-ids-to-avoid-defeat-pm-modi-in-karnataka-135714">PM Modi speaking </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-making-fake-voter-ids-to-avoid-defeat-pm-modi-in-karnataka-135714">live</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-making-fake-voter-ids-to-avoid-defeat-pm-modi-in-karnataka-135714"> on the Namo app</a> said the BJP is committed towards the welfare of SC/STs and OBCs, adding that his party is working towards making Ambedkar's vision a reality.

"India is the second largest skill producer," PM Modi told voters in Karnataka through the Namo app on the last day of campaigning in Karnataka. "There are 99 cities in India set to become smart cities,"&nbsp;he added.

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The state will go to the poll on Saturday with results to be declared on May, 15th.

"People from SC/ST are joining the BJP in huge numbers,"&nbsp;he said, adding,"BJP has the&nbsp;maximum number of SC/STs and OBCs."

"We have made strict provisions in the SC/ST Act," he told voters in Karnataka. The BJP is committed towards the welfare of SC/STs, he said.

Taking a dig at the Congress, the PM asked what has the Congress done for Ambedkar? The prime minister said his party is fostering Ambedkar's vision.

"The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans,"&nbsp;he informed voters in Karnataka.

On the growing push of technology, the prime minister informed voters that the country is the 2nd largest mobile phone holders and also the second highest steel producers in the world.

NDA government&nbsp;has made 2.25 crores toilets in the country, he said as part of the Swach&nbsp;Bharat&nbsp;campaign.

BJP's motto is to achieve equality for all, PM Modi said.

BJP has the maximum number of SC/STs and OBCs, PM Modi said

In his final Karnataka poll pitch, PM Modi speaking live on the Namo app said the BJP is committed towards the welfare of SC/STs and OBCs, adding that his party is working towards making Ambedkar's vision a reality. "India is the second largest skill producer," PM Modi told voters in Karnataka through the Namo app on the last day of campaigning in Karnataka. "There are 99 cities in India set to become smart cities," he added. BJP has the highest number of MPs belonging to SC & ST communities. More and more people of these communities are connecting with BJP: PM Narendra Modi to SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha Karyakartas of Karnataka BJP pic.twitter.com/n4IBfnh2vl — ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2018 × The state will go to the poll on Saturday with results to be declared on May, 15th. "People from SC/ST are joining the BJP in huge numbers," he said, adding,"BJP has the maximum number of SC/STs and OBCs." "We have made strict provisions in the SC/ST Act," he told voters in Karnataka. The BJP is committed towards the welfare of SC/STs, he said. Taking a dig at the Congress, the PM asked what has the Congress done for Ambedkar? The prime minister said his party is fostering Ambedkar's vision. "The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans," he informed voters in Karnataka. On the growing push of technology, the prime minister informed voters that the country is the 2nd largest mobile phone holders and also the second highest steel producers in the world. NDA government has made 2.25 crores toilets in the country, he said as part of the Swach Bharat campaign. BJP's motto is to achieve equality for all, PM Modi said.

In final Karnataka poll push, PM Modi reaches out to SC/STs & OBCs via Namo app

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-mother-more-indian-than-many-rahul-gandhi-135937">vitriol-filled campaign</a> for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger.

From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all.

Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress.

Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress.

Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'.

Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption.

The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism".

Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI.

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On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue".

An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen."

Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government".

Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it.

Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013.

"Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner.

The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud.

Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon.

Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of

Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)".

Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district.

Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces.

After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader.

The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine.

Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party.

The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout.

Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker.

Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.&nbsp;

Like Gujarat before it, the campaign for Karnataka has been rough and ugly with a number of personal attacks from either side. The results will be out on May 15

The vitriol-filled campaign for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger. From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all. Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress. Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress. Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'. Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption. The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism". Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker × On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue". An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen." Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government". Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it. Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013. "Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner. The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud. Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK. Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon. Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)". Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district. Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces. After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader. The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine. Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party. The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker. Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.

Vitriol-filled campaign for Karnataka ends, elections on May 12

Congress President Rahul Gandhi responded Thursday to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage. &nbsp;

"My mother is Italian. She has lived a large part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many people I see," Rahul said.&nbsp;

He was speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after winding up his campaigning for the Karnataka polls.&nbsp;

Today is the last day of campaigning. The state which goes to the polls on May 12.&nbsp;

Sonia had been in Karnataka earlier this week to address a campaign rally. She said there that Modi "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-sonia-hits-campaign-trail-after-2-years-says-wherever-modi-goes-he-distorts-historical-facts-135515">distorts facts</a>".&nbsp;

Ahead of her visit, the BJP had tweeted: “Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K’taka to save her last citadel from falling! Madam Maino, K’taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wasting India’s 10 precious years. And to Congress, need to remind you of your ‘import’ jibe?”

PM Modi too had rake up the issue of Sonia's roots.&nbsp;

At a campaign rally, Modi had challenged Rahul "to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from a piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue.”

"I have now learnt to deal with the Prime Minister. When he can't respond, he distracts," Rahul said.

"This election is not about Rahul," he added.&nbsp;

That was a reference to Modi wondering whether the country would ever accept such an "immature and naamdar (famous)" leader for the post of prime minister.&nbsp;

That came after Rahul replied in the affirmative to a question asking him whether he would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-rahul-gandhi-ready-to-be-pm-why-not-says-congress-president-135428">take over as prime minister</a> should the Congress win in 2019.&nbsp;

Rahul added that Modi sees him as a "threat".

"Modi has anger inside... he has anger for everybody, not just me ...and sees a threat in me," Rahul said.

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Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K'taka to save her last citadel from falling! 
 
Madam Maino, K'taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wasting India's 10 precious years. 
 
And to Congress, need to remind you of your 'import' jibe? <a href="https://t.co/7NmhjuoMOM">https://t.co/7NmhjuoMOM</a>
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka/status/993690918309023744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul said the Congress would win the May 12 elections — the results will be out on the 15th — and that the opposition had restricted itself to making personal attacks on him during the campaign.

The BJP, he added, feels "uncomfortable" when he visits a temple.

"I don't think the BJP understands the term Hindu," Rahul said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Congress President was responding to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage

Congress President Rahul Gandhi responded Thursday to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage. "My mother is Italian. She has lived a large part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many people I see," Rahul said. He was speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after winding up his campaigning for the Karnataka polls. Today is the last day of campaigning. The state which goes to the polls on May 12. Sonia had been in Karnataka earlier this week to address a campaign rally. She said there that Modi "distorts facts". Ahead of her visit, the BJP had tweeted: “Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K’taka to save her last citadel from falling! Madam Maino, K’taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wasting India’s 10 precious years. And to Congress, need to remind you of your ‘import’ jibe?” PM Modi too had rake up the issue of Sonia's roots. At a campaign rally, Modi had challenged Rahul "to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from a piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue.” "I have now learnt to deal with the Prime Minister. When he can't respond, he distracts," Rahul said. "This election is not about Rahul," he added. That was a reference to Modi wondering whether the country would ever accept such an "immature and naamdar (famous)" leader for the post of prime minister. That came after Rahul replied in the affirmative to a question asking him whether he would take over as prime minister should the Congress win in 2019. Rahul added that Modi sees him as a "threat". "Modi has anger inside... he has anger for everybody, not just me ...and sees a threat in me," Rahul said. Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K'taka to save her last citadel from falling! Madam Maino, K'taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wasting India's 10 precious years. And to Congress, need to remind you of your 'import' jibe? https://t.co/7NmhjuoMOM — BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 8, 2018 × Rahul said the Congress would win the May 12 elections — the results will be out on the 15th — and that the opposition had restricted itself to making personal attacks on him during the campaign. The BJP, he added, feels "uncomfortable" when he visits a temple. "I don't think the BJP understands the term Hindu," Rahul said. (With inputs from PTI)

'My mother more Indian than many', says Rahul Gandhi after PM Modi's jibe

Karnataka election is around the corner and after two days from now, 49.7 million voters of the state will seal the fate of 314 candidates in ballot boxes. But who will be the choice of the people: Siddaramaiah or Yeddyurappa? Congress or BJP? Well, it's a challenging task to judge.

Before arriving at any conclusion, let's look at what works for these parties and what doesn't:

Caste and regional dynamics: Karnataka is majorly divided into five regions - Bengaluru, Coastal Karnataka, Bombay Karnataka, Hyderabad Karnataka, Old Mysuru and Central Karnataka. Each of the regions is dominated by different castes and communities. In 2013, BJP was majorly supported by the middle-class population of Bengaluru where it won 12 out of 28 seats and some Lingayats in Bombay Karnataka where it managed to get hold on 13 seats out of 50. However, maximum number of seats - 31 - in Bombay Karnataka went to Congress. This time, with Yeddyurappa's comeback, who comes from Lingayat community, their support for the party is expected to be much more.

In 2013, BJP performed poorly in Old Mysuru region where it only won four out of 61 seats whereas Congress won 27. Vokkaligas, another major community in Karnataka, is dominant in this region. The votes of this community were divided between BJP, Congress and Janta Dal Secular with JD(S) having a majority. The BJP has tried to play it safe this time by praising JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda. But will it resonate positively with the Gowdas, only time will tell.

Also, Hyderabad Karnataka region was an area of concern with only five out of 50 seats. This region is dominated by SC/STs and Muslim population. Compared to 2013, BJP is expected to perform better in this area. Also, in the Central Karnataka region, which is dominated by Hindu population, BJP did badly in 2013 by winning just three out of 26 seats but is seen stronger this time as per various reports.

2014 Lok Sabha election: In 2014, BJP won 17 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state which means 61 per cent seats. Going by this logic, BJP might win more than 130 seats in the state assembly in this election. However, the vote share in 2014 was 43.37 per cent, which might not be possible to get this time. But the 2014 election hints towards another important thing - the caste factor. As per a post-poll survey done by Lokniti-CSDS, 62% of upper castes and 63% of Lingayats supported BJP, on the other hand, Muslim, SC/ST and OBC voters supported Congress but not entirely. BJP managed to get 25% of the Muslim votes which forms 12.5% of the state's population. Also, 35% of the SC/ST voters exercised their franchise in favour of BJP which forms around one-fourth population of the state.

Congress, meanwhile, won nine Lok Sabha seats from Karnataka in 2014, 32 per cent of the 28 Lok Sabha seats. The percentage will translate to 72 seats in this assembly election. Going by caste dynamics, the Lokniti-CSDS post-poll survey of 2014 election stated that 68% of Muslims, 58% of STs, 43% of SCs and 44% of other OBCs voted in favour of Congress.

Vote share and polling percentage: The vote share analysis suggests that the Congress has a fixed voter base in the state and there has not been much difference in the 2008 Assembly election results, when Congress won just 80 seats, and 2013 when it won 110 seats. The 2008 vote share was 34.76% as against 2013 when it got 36.59% votes. Also, the 2013 election shows that when people did not vote for BJP, their votes was not transferred to Congress either. Thus, there is a limited scope for Congress to get benefit from their non-traditional voters but BJP has the scope of consolidating the remaining 65% voters which are very unlikely to vote for Congress.

The Narendra Modi impact: The BJP has projected Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a big way. He has addressed a lot of rallies during his campaigning in Karnataka and has also been using the NaMo app to address the voters directly. While the party is confident that 'Modi Magic' will work for it, it is always better to exercise little bit of caution.

Rahul Gandhi and his team: Congress president Rahul Gandhi, though has expressed readiness to become the Prime Minister if given a chance, he has not yet made a strong impact through his campaigning or statements. Moreover, other leaders of his party are risking too much in the poll season with statements like 'Shri Jinnah' and 'Qaid-i-Azam' in honour of the so-called culprit of India-Pakistan partition. These comments do not work well with the people and can cost some seats for Congress in the coming elections.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A look at past performances of Congress and BJP and what could work in their favour in this election.

Karnataka election is around the corner and after two days from now, 49.7 million voters of the state will seal the fate of 314 candidates in ballot boxes. But who will be the choice of the people: Siddaramaiah or Yeddyurappa? Congress or BJP? Well, it's a challenging task to judge. Before arriving at any conclusion, let's look at what works for these parties and what doesn't: Caste and regional dynamics: Karnataka is majorly divided into five regions - Bengaluru, Coastal Karnataka, Bombay Karnataka, Hyderabad Karnataka, Old Mysuru and Central Karnataka. Each of the regions is dominated by different castes and communities. In 2013, BJP was majorly supported by the middle-class population of Bengaluru where it won 12 out of 28 seats and some Lingayats in Bombay Karnataka where it managed to get hold on 13 seats out of 50. However, maximum number of seats - 31 - in Bombay Karnataka went to Congress. This time, with Yeddyurappa's comeback, who comes from Lingayat community, their support for the party is expected to be much more. In 2013, BJP performed poorly in Old Mysuru region where it only won four out of 61 seats whereas Congress won 27. Vokkaligas, another major community in Karnataka, is dominant in this region. The votes of this community were divided between BJP, Congress and Janta Dal Secular with JD(S) having a majority. The BJP has tried to play it safe this time by praising JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda. But will it resonate positively with the Gowdas, only time will tell. Also, Hyderabad Karnataka region was an area of concern with only five out of 50 seats. This region is dominated by SC/STs and Muslim population. Compared to 2013, BJP is expected to perform better in this area. Also, in the Central Karnataka region, which is dominated by Hindu population, BJP did badly in 2013 by winning just three out of 26 seats but is seen stronger this time as per various reports. 2014 Lok Sabha election: In 2014, BJP won 17 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state which means 61 per cent seats. Going by this logic, BJP might win more than 130 seats in the state assembly in this election. However, the vote share in 2014 was 43.37 per cent, which might not be possible to get this time. But the 2014 election hints towards another important thing - the caste factor. As per a post-poll survey done by Lokniti-CSDS, 62% of upper castes and 63% of Lingayats supported BJP, on the other hand, Muslim, SC/ST and OBC voters supported Congress but not entirely. BJP managed to get 25% of the Muslim votes which forms 12.5% of the state's population. Also, 35% of the SC/ST voters exercised their franchise in favour of BJP which forms around one-fourth population of the state. Congress, meanwhile, won nine Lok Sabha seats from Karnataka in 2014, 32 per cent of the 28 Lok Sabha seats. The percentage will translate to 72 seats in this assembly election. Going by caste dynamics, the Lokniti-CSDS post-poll survey of 2014 election stated that 68% of Muslims, 58% of STs, 43% of SCs and 44% of other OBCs voted in favour of Congress. Vote share and polling percentage: The vote share analysis suggests that the Congress has a fixed voter base in the state and there has not been much difference in the 2008 Assembly election results, when Congress won just 80 seats, and 2013 when it won 110 seats. The 2008 vote share was 34.76% as against 2013 when it got 36.59% votes. Also, the 2013 election shows that when people did not vote for BJP, their votes was not transferred to Congress either. Thus, there is a limited scope for Congress to get benefit from their non-traditional voters but BJP has the scope of consolidating the remaining 65% voters which are very unlikely to vote for Congress. The Narendra Modi impact: The BJP has projected Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a big way. He has addressed a lot of rallies during his campaigning in Karnataka and has also been using the NaMo app to address the voters directly. While the party is confident that 'Modi Magic' will work for it, it is always better to exercise little bit of caution. Rahul Gandhi and his team: Congress president Rahul Gandhi, though has expressed readiness to become the Prime Minister if given a chance, he has not yet made a strong impact through his campaigning or statements. Moreover, other leaders of his party are risking too much in the poll season with statements like 'Shri Jinnah' and 'Qaid-i-Azam' in honour of the so-called culprit of India-Pakistan partition. These comments do not work well with the people and can cost some seats for Congress in the coming elections. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Strengths and weaknesses of BJP and Congress ahead of Karnataka polls

As political <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-from-scst-are-joining-bjp-in-huge-numbers-says-modi-in-final-karnataka-poll-push-on-namo-app-135833">temperature rises on last day </a>of campaigning in Karnataka, Congress president addressing a press conference at Bengaluru with chief minister Siddaramaiah, said that PM Modi has been silent about atrocities against Dalits.

Rahul Gandhi openly attacked the prime minister said: "PM Modi wants to speak about me, not Karnataka," adding,"the prime minister has said nothing about the future of Karnataka."

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Enjoyed meeting the regional & national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. 
 
But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs., I will be doing many more of these! <a href="https://t.co/tzNVHVLXdu">pic.twitter.com/tzNVHVLXdu</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/994488116923850752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This election is not about Rahul Gandhi but on Karnataka," he added.

"PM Modi is silent on atrocities against Dalits," he said. Taking a potshot at the prime minister, Rahul said Modi has anger towards everyone.

PM Modi in his final address to Karnataka voters through the Namo app had said people from SC/ST were joining the BJP in "huge numbers".

"The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans," he informed voters in Karnataka.

The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers. "BJP does not understand the meaning of 'Hindu'," he said.

On Congress's CM face Siddaramaiah, Rahul said there is no comparison between Yeddyurappa and&nbsp;Siddaramaiah, declaring that the ex-Karnataka CM has been to prison over corruption charges.

"We campaigned on the voice of the people and on fundamental issues in Karnataka," he said.

On the incidents of horrific rape in the country, he said, "rapes are absolutely a political issue."

Talking about India's relations with China, Rahul said Doklam was not brought up during Modi-Xi meet recently at Wuhan. "I can see changes in Russia's policy towards India,"&nbsp;he noted.

The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers.

As political temperature rises on last day of campaigning in Karnataka, Congress president addressing a press conference at Bengaluru with chief minister Siddaramaiah, said that PM Modi has been silent about atrocities against Dalits. Rahul Gandhi openly attacked the prime minister said: "PM Modi wants to speak about me, not Karnataka," adding,"the prime minister has said nothing about the future of Karnataka." Enjoyed meeting the regional & national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs., I will be doing many more of these! pic.twitter.com/tzNVHVLXdu — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 10, 2018 × "This election is not about Rahul Gandhi but on Karnataka," he added. "PM Modi is silent on atrocities against Dalits," he said. Taking a potshot at the prime minister, Rahul said Modi has anger towards everyone. PM Modi in his final address to Karnataka voters through the Namo app had said people from SC/ST were joining the BJP in "huge numbers". "The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans," he informed voters in Karnataka. The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers. "BJP does not understand the meaning of 'Hindu'," he said. On Congress's CM face Siddaramaiah, Rahul said there is no comparison between Yeddyurappa and Siddaramaiah, declaring that the ex-Karnataka CM has been to prison over corruption charges. "We campaigned on the voice of the people and on fundamental issues in Karnataka," he said. On the incidents of horrific rape in the country, he said, "rapes are absolutely a political issue." Talking about India's relations with China, Rahul said Doklam was not brought up during Modi-Xi meet recently at Wuhan. "I can see changes in Russia's policy towards India," he noted.

BJP doesn't understand meaning of 'Hindu', PM Modi silent on atrocities against Dalits, says Rahul Gandhi

In a final push in Karnataka, PM Modi will be addressing four rallies in the state as campaign comes to an end on May 10th, two days ahead of polling day on May 12th.

PM Modi begins his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-amit-shah--adityanath-to-address-rallies-in-karnataka-135646"> campaign in Bangarpet today</a> in a packed election schedule after which he will touchdown in Chikmagalur where India's former PM Indira Gandhi had contested post-Emergency in 1978.

The prime minister will then address rallies in Belagavi and Bidar in the evening.

PM Modi's rally in Bangarpet:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> live from Karnataka: PM Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Kolar's Bangarapet <a href="https://t.co/zXbNJl3WMM">https://t.co/zXbNJl3WMM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994085998526156800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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11:56 am: Repeating lies is the strategy of the Congress, he said.

11: 55 am: Congress leaders resorting to divisive politics: PM Modi

11: 50 am: Congress's Verappa Moily exposed the corruption of the party on Twitter, he said.

11: 49 am: Congress has been elected out of all states, he said while attacking the Opposition party.

11:45 am: Opposition parties losing faith in Rahul, he said while attacking the Congress president.

11: 40am: Congress praised corrupt leaders, he added.

11:35 am: My remote control is the people of the country, the PM said during the rally.

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Congress is affected with 6 diseases & makes those 6 diseases viral wherever it goes. They are- Congress culture, Communalism, Casteism, Crime, Corruption, Contractor system. These six Cs are destroying the future of Karnataka: PM Modi in Kolar's Bangarapet <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElection2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/rPW1CNBPQJ">pic.twitter.com/rPW1CNBPQJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994090804284096513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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11:31 am:&nbsp;The country will not accept an immature person as PM, he added.

11: 30 am: Congress is not 'dill-wali''&nbsp;but 'deal-wali': PM Modi

11: 26 am: When Manmohan Singh was PM, remote control was with Sonia, PM Modi said in an open attack on Congress

11: 23 am: Rahul insulted senior leaders,&nbsp;people will never accept Rahul, he said.&nbsp;

11: 20 am: Rahul's PM announcement is a sign of &nbsp;ignorance, says PM Modi, adding that the Congress president is born with a golden spoon.

11:17 am: Congress has hit kannada pride: PM Modi

11:12 am: Congress culture and contract system is destroying Karnataka, he said.

11:10 am: Chase Congress namdaars&nbsp;from Karnataka, says Modi, Congress is losing poll after poll, he added.

11:07 am: This poll will decide Karnataka's elections, he said, adding, Congress has shown its "true colours".

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Congress is only interested in deals. I'm not saying this. It's a Congress MP & former CM (Karnataka) Veerappa Moily who said this. When tickets were sold, he said that Congress will have to solve their 'money problem' & also blamed PWD Minister for deal-making: PM Modi in Kolar <a href="https://t.co/GuKdp5qcOg">pic.twitter.com/GuKdp5qcOg</a>
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11:05 am: Congress was never concerned about women's safety: PM Modi

11:00 am: Congress spreads its virus wherever it goes, he said while attacking the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

PM Modi will be addressing rallies in four places in Karnataka

In a final push in Karnataka, PM Modi will be addressing four rallies in the state as campaign comes to an end on May 10th, two days ahead of polling day on May 12th. PM Modi begins his campaign in Bangarpet today in a packed election schedule after which he will touchdown in Chikmagalur where India's former PM Indira Gandhi had contested post-Emergency in 1978. The prime minister will then address rallies in Belagavi and Bidar in the evening. PM Modi's rally in Bangarpet: #WATCH live from Karnataka: PM Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Kolar's Bangarapet https://t.co/zXbNJl3WMM — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × 11:56 am: Repeating lies is the strategy of the Congress, he said. 11: 55 am: Congress leaders resorting to divisive politics: PM Modi 11: 50 am: Congress's Verappa Moily exposed the corruption of the party on Twitter, he said. 11: 49 am: Congress has been elected out of all states, he said while attacking the Opposition party. 11:45 am: Opposition parties losing faith in Rahul, he said while attacking the Congress president. 11: 40am: Congress praised corrupt leaders, he added. 11:35 am: My remote control is the people of the country, the PM said during the rally. Congress is affected with 6 diseases & makes those 6 diseases viral wherever it goes. They are- Congress culture, Communalism, Casteism, Crime, Corruption, Contractor system. These six Cs are destroying the future of Karnataka: PM Modi in Kolar's Bangarapet #KarnatakaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/rPW1CNBPQJ — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × 11:31 am: The country will not accept an immature person as PM, he added. 11: 30 am: Congress is not 'dill-wali'' but 'deal-wali': PM Modi 11: 26 am: When Manmohan Singh was PM, remote control was with Sonia, PM Modi said in an open attack on Congress 11: 23 am: Rahul insulted senior leaders, people will never accept Rahul, he said. 11: 20 am: Rahul's PM announcement is a sign of ignorance, says PM Modi, adding that the Congress president is born with a golden spoon. 11:17 am: Congress has hit kannada pride: PM Modi 11:12 am: Congress culture and contract system is destroying Karnataka, he said. 11:10 am: Chase Congress namdaars from Karnataka, says Modi, Congress is losing poll after poll, he added. 11:07 am: This poll will decide Karnataka's elections, he said, adding, Congress has shown its "true colours". Congress is only interested in deals. I'm not saying this. It's a Congress MP & former CM (Karnataka) Veerappa Moily who said this. When tickets were sold, he said that Congress will have to solve their 'money problem' & also blamed PWD Minister for deal-making: PM Modi in Kolar pic.twitter.com/GuKdp5qcOg — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × 11:05 am: Congress was never concerned about women's safety: PM Modi 11:00 am: Congress spreads its virus wherever it goes, he said while attacking the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

When Manmohan Singh was PM, remote control was with Sonia, says PM Modi in Karnataka poll rally

PM Modi will returns to the Karnataka poll campaign in a final push today.

The Indian prime minister will address rallies in Bidar, Belgaum and Bangarapet on the second last day of his Karnataka campaign.

In a whirlwind tour, PM Modi will begin his rally from Bangarpet at 10: 30 am today and then he will cross over Chikmagalur at 1pm where Indira Gandhi had contested in 1978 after the Emergency and won.

The PM will then address another rally in Belagavi at 4pm and finally wind up in Bidar at 6pm.

BJP president will also hit the campaign trail for the last time before 10th May when the election campaign officially comes to an end. Amit Shah will be addressing rallies in Tumkur at the same as PM Modi at 10:30am.

The BJP president will also take part in a roadshow in Tumkur which will pass through several constituencies including in&nbsp;Bengaluru.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will also be addressing rallies in another part of Karnataka as the BJP ramps up its effort in the poll-bound state.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister take part in road shows in Terdal and will address a press conference at Denisson hotel at 12:45 pm.

CM Adityanath will end the day with a roadshow and a corner meeting at Gubbi around 4:30 pm 
&nbsp;

BJP president will also hit the campaign trail for the last time before 10th May when the election campaign officially comes to an end.

PM Modi will returns to the Karnataka poll campaign in a final push today. The Indian prime minister will address rallies in Bidar, Belgaum and Bangarapet on the second last day of his Karnataka campaign. In a whirlwind tour, PM Modi will begin his rally from Bangarpet at 10: 30 am today and then he will cross over Chikmagalur at 1pm where Indira Gandhi had contested in 1978 after the Emergency and won. The PM will then address another rally in Belagavi at 4pm and finally wind up in Bidar at 6pm. BJP president will also hit the campaign trail for the last time before 10th May when the election campaign officially comes to an end. Amit Shah will be addressing rallies in Tumkur at the same as PM Modi at 10:30am. The BJP president will also take part in a roadshow in Tumkur which will pass through several constituencies including in Bengaluru. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will also be addressing rallies in another part of Karnataka as the BJP ramps up its effort in the poll-bound state. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister take part in road shows in Terdal and will address a press conference at Denisson hotel at 12:45 pm. CM Adityanath will end the day with a roadshow and a corner meeting at Gubbi around 4:30 pm

PM Modi, Amit Shah & CM Adityanath to address rallies in Karnataka today

The Election Commission has arrested two people in connection with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fake-voter-id-jds-urges-ec-to-ensure-fair-karnataka-polls-135704">recovery of fake voter ID cards from Karnataka's Bengaluru</a> ahead of the assembly election to be held on May 12.

The chief election officer Sanjiv Kumar&nbsphas also&nbspexpressed the possibility of more arrests in the case.

Calling the issue as a very serious matter, he said that the matter was being further investigated.

He also assured that no one had interfered with their system and&nbspthat no new voter ID cards were made from their end.

He said, " We are trying to reach the truth at the earliest. However, one thing is certain that nobody has broken into our system and no new voter ID cards have been made".

The EC had also called for a delegation meeting to discuss the recovery of over 9,000 voter ID cards. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and SS Ahluwalia.

The Election Commission of Karnataka&nbsprecovered 9,746 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from an apartment in Bengaluru`s Jalahalli area of Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency&nbspon late Tuesday night.

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This is a very serious matter. 2 people have been arrested as of now, there is a possibility of more arrests. Case is currently being investigated: Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Election Officer on Fake voter ID issue <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/0JyDYckwI7">pic.twitter.com/0JyDYckwI7</a>
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&nbsp

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Voter IDs are proof of voter confidence & to reinstate that, elections to Rajarajeshwari constituency must be countermanded & we've put forward this demand to EC: Smriti Irani after BJP delegation met EC officials over voter IDs found at a flat in Jalahalli <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElection</a> <a href="https://t.co/GjRE4Zbm1G">pic.twitter.com/GjRE4Zbm1G</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994209663863480321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Chief election officer Sanjiv Kumar said, 'We are trying to reach the truth at the earliest. However, one thing is certain that nobody has broken into our system and no new voter ID cards have been made'

The Election Commission has arrested two people in connection with the recovery of fake voter ID cards from Karnataka's Bengaluru ahead of the assembly election to be held on May 12. The chief election officer Sanjiv Kumar&nbsphas also&nbspexpressed the possibility of more arrests in the case. Calling the issue as a very serious matter, he said that the matter was being further investigated. He also assured that no one had interfered with their system and&nbspthat no new voter ID cards were made from their end. He said, " We are trying to reach the truth at the earliest. However, one thing is certain that nobody has broken into our system and no new voter ID cards have been made". The EC had also called for a delegation meeting to discuss the recovery of over 9,000 voter ID cards. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and SS Ahluwalia. The Election Commission of Karnataka&nbsprecovered 9,746 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from an apartment in Bengaluru`s Jalahalli area of Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency&nbspon late Tuesday night. This is a very serious matter. 2 people have been arrested as of now, there is a possibility of more arrests. Case is currently being investigated: Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Election Officer on Fake voter ID issue #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/0JyDYckwI7 — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × Voter IDs are proof of voter confidence & to reinstate that, elections to Rajarajeshwari constituency must be countermanded & we've put forward this demand to EC: Smriti Irani after BJP delegation met EC officials over voter IDs found at a flat in Jalahalli #KarnatakaElection pic.twitter.com/GjRE4Zbm1G — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 ×

Karnataka elections: EC arrests 2 in connection with recovery of fake voter ID cards

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that making fake voter ID cards to win elections is a "tactic of Congress", and that "people should never forgive such a party".&nbsp;

Modi was referring to the close to 10,000 fake voter ID cards recovered from a flat in Bengaluru last night. The Congress has since alleged that the raid was stage-managed by the BJP and that the flat's owner and tenant are both BJP leaders.&nbsp;

"Making multiple fake voter ID cards to win elections is the tactic of Congress. People should never forgive such party. Fearing a crushing defeat, Congress is indulging in all kinds of malpractices," Modi said at an election rally in Chikkamagaluru.&nbsp;

He then went on to attack Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

"Throughout the day, a Congress leader thinks only about one thing — <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-rahul-gandhi-ready-to-be-pm-why-not-says-congress-president-135428">how to be the prime minister</a>? If this isn't arrogance, then what is?" Modi asked.&nbsp;

He then <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-rahul-gandhi-speak-for-15-minutes-pm-modi-at-karnataka-rally-133953">continued with his </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-rahul-gandhi-speak-for-15-minutes-pm-modi-at-karnataka-rally-133953">naamdaar</a> (dynast) versus kaamdaar (worker) jibe.&nbsp;

"The naamdaar of Congress keeps getting promoted even if he doesn't do anything," Modi said.&nbsp;

"He was made General Secretary of the party in 2007. He said he'll make a young team and bring new ideas. It has been 11 years and things are still what they used to be," he added.&nbsp;

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Congress only wants to remain in power. In '78, Indira Ji came here, took your votes but never cared for people of this region. Congress never thought about welfare of people of Chikmagalur. Sonia Ji too contested from Bellari, but what happened to promises made here?: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/Rm7xyS1CHf">pic.twitter.com/Rm7xyS1CHf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994137322730983424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Owner of the flat (in Jalahalli, where voter IDs were found) is Manjula Nanjamari, she was BJP corporator from '97-'02 & continues to be prominent leader of BJP. In last 24 hours she has been disowned by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> BJP in-charge Prakash Javadekar: Randeep Surjewala, Congress <a href="https://t.co/ERcpBLYUUx">pic.twitter.com/ERcpBLYUUx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994172382204997633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Last night raid was stage managed by BJP which is using huge amounts of cash & resources which are at BJP's disposal to influence voters & elections. It wasn't EC or police but BJP people who raided flat which belongs to BJP leader & the tenant is also a BJP leader: Anand Sharma <a href="https://t.co/NDLoAQqufE">pic.twitter.com/NDLoAQqufE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994127614766927877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Modi was referring to the close to 10,000 fake voter ID cards recovered from a flat in Bengaluru last night. The Congress has since alleged that the raid was stage-managed by the BJP and that the flat's owner and tenant are both BJP leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that making fake voter ID cards to win elections is a "tactic of Congress", and that "people should never forgive such a party". Modi was referring to the close to 10,000 fake voter ID cards recovered from a flat in Bengaluru last night. The Congress has since alleged that the raid was stage-managed by the BJP and that the flat's owner and tenant are both BJP leaders. "Making multiple fake voter ID cards to win elections is the tactic of Congress. People should never forgive such party. Fearing a crushing defeat, Congress is indulging in all kinds of malpractices," Modi said at an election rally in Chikkamagaluru. He then went on to attack Congress President Rahul Gandhi. "Throughout the day, a Congress leader thinks only about one thing — how to be the prime minister? If this isn't arrogance, then what is?" Modi asked. He then continued with his naamdaar (dynast) versus kaamdaar (worker) jibe. "The naamdaar of Congress keeps getting promoted even if he doesn't do anything," Modi said. "He was made General Secretary of the party in 2007. He said he'll make a young team and bring new ideas. It has been 11 years and things are still what they used to be," he added. Congress only wants to remain in power. In '78, Indira Ji came here, took your votes but never cared for people of this region. Congress never thought about welfare of people of Chikmagalur. Sonia Ji too contested from Bellari, but what happened to promises made here?: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/Rm7xyS1CHf — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × Owner of the flat (in Jalahalli, where voter IDs were found) is Manjula Nanjamari, she was BJP corporator from '97-'02 & continues to be prominent leader of BJP. In last 24 hours she has been disowned by #Karnataka BJP in-charge Prakash Javadekar: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/ERcpBLYUUx — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × Last night raid was stage managed by BJP which is using huge amounts of cash & resources which are at BJP's disposal to influence voters & elections. It wasn't EC or police but BJP people who raided flat which belongs to BJP leader & the tenant is also a BJP leader: Anand Sharma pic.twitter.com/NDLoAQqufE — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 ×

Congress making fake voter IDs to avoid defeat: PM Modi in Karnataka

In view of the recovery of over 9000 voter ID cards from Bengaluru, Janata Dal (Secular) secretary general Danish Ali on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair assembly elections.

Ali while talking to ANI accused the Congress and BJP of following unethical means to win the Karnataka Assembly election to be held on May 12.

"We appeal to the EC that there should be no compromise with free and fair elections. It is a serious matter. All unethical means are being adopted by both national parties (Congress and BJP)," Ali said.

Earlier, the BJP alleged that around 20,000 fake Voters ID cards were recovered from Congress` Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency candidate Muniratna.

The party also demanded to countermand elections in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar constituency.

Following the allegation, the Election Commission of Karnataka, earlier on late Tuesday night confirmed that they have recovered 9,746 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from an apartment in Bengaluru`s Jalahalli area of Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency.

Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer for Karnataka, however, said that the significance of the counterfoils can only be verified after due investigation.

In view of the recovery of over 9000 voter ID cards from Bengaluru, Janata Dal (Secular) secretary general Danish Ali on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair assembly elections

In view of the recovery of over 9000 voter ID cards from Bengaluru, Janata Dal (Secular) secretary general Danish Ali on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair assembly elections. Ali while talking to ANI accused the Congress and BJP of following unethical means to win the Karnataka Assembly election to be held on May 12. "We appeal to the EC that there should be no compromise with free and fair elections. It is a serious matter. All unethical means are being adopted by both national parties (Congress and BJP)," Ali said. Earlier, the BJP alleged that around 20,000 fake Voters ID cards were recovered from Congress` Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency candidate Muniratna. The party also demanded to countermand elections in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar constituency. Following the allegation, the Election Commission of Karnataka, earlier on late Tuesday night confirmed that they have recovered 9,746 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from an apartment in Bengaluru`s Jalahalli area of Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency. Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer for Karnataka, however, said that the significance of the counterfoils can only be verified after due investigation.

Fake voter IDs: JD(S) urges EC to ensure fair Karnataka polls

Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnatakas-most-wanted-rahul-gandhi-fires-fresh-salvo-at-pm-modi-134769">Rahul Gandhi today jumped </a>into the debate linking him to take over India's top political office.

While interacting with eminent citizens <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-manifesto-is-poorly-crafted-fantasy-rahul-gandhi-134632">at a hotel in Bengaluru as part</a> of his Karnataka election campaign, a person asked him: if Congress emerges as the single largest party in 2019, then Mr Gandhi, will you be the prime ministerial candidate?

To this, Rahul Gandhi promptly replied: Why not.

Rahul had taken over as the president of the Congress party last year after his mother Sonia Gandhi stepped down due to ill health and over growing calls to make the young Gandhi scion as the head of the grand old party.

Rahul was elected as MP of Amethi in 2004 when the UPA swept to power beating the BJP-led NDA during the general elections surprising the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5emukPjPWR4" width="560"></iframe>

The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today jumped into the debate linking him to take over India's top political office. While interacting with eminent citizens at a hotel in Bengaluru as part of his Karnataka election campaign, a person asked him: if Congress emerges as the single largest party in 2019, then Mr Gandhi, will you be the prime ministerial candidate? To this, Rahul Gandhi promptly replied: Why not. Rahul had taken over as the president of the Congress party last year after his mother Sonia Gandhi stepped down due to ill health and over growing calls to make the young Gandhi scion as the head of the grand old party. Rahul was elected as MP of Amethi in 2004 when the UPA swept to power beating the BJP-led NDA during the general elections surprising the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Congress president hasn't held a national-level political office and kept himself out of the Cabinet during UPA's ten-year tenure at the Centre.

Is Rahul Gandhi ready to be PM? Why not, says Congress president

BJP president Amit Shah has said that Karnataka Assembly poll is crucial not just in ensuring another big state in the BJP kitty, but also as a "gateway to the south".

In a conversation with WION editor in chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Shah said that Congress is an anti-farmer govt with 3,500 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka. 
&nbsp; 
"The wave is in favour of BJP and one can see it. One can take a look at the rallies of PM Modi, the size of the rallies, the enthusiasm among people, that itself tells you that there is a wave in favour of BJP," he told WION.

"Karnataka elections are important for us, as this is our gateway to the south," said Shah during the interview. 
&nbsp; 
Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign.

Earlier at an election rally in Nargund, BJP president Amit Shah alleged that fearing defeat, the Congress has colluded with "anti-national" SDPI and PFI in the Karnataka assembly polls.

He said the BJP and RSS lost 24 workers in the last four years but the Siddaramaiah government "did not arrest the murderers."

Shah said once the BJP comes to power, it will send every culprit behind bars even if they were hiding in the remotest corner of the world.

"Fearing defeat, the Congress government is sitting with the anti-national forces. They aren't ashamed to take the support of PFI and SDPI. JD-S has taken the support of (AIMIM chief Asaduddin) Owaisi," said Shah. 
&nbsp; 
After travelling more than 40,000 kilometres in Karnataka for party's poll campaign, Amit Shah is confident of winning the Karnataka assembly polls as he believes PM&nbsp;Modi’s personal popularity has helped the party tap “people’s anger” against the Siddaramaiah government in the state.

Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign.

BJP president Amit Shah has said that Karnataka Assembly poll is crucial not just in ensuring another big state in the BJP kitty, but also as a "gateway to the south". In a conversation with WION editor in chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Shah said that Congress is an anti-farmer govt with 3,500 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka. "The wave is in favour of BJP and one can see it. One can take a look at the rallies of PM Modi, the size of the rallies, the enthusiasm among people, that itself tells you that there is a wave in favour of BJP," he told WION. "Karnataka elections are important for us, as this is our gateway to the south," said Shah during the interview. Shah has been in Karnataka for quite some time now for the aggressive election campaign. Earlier at an election rally in Nargund, BJP president Amit Shah alleged that fearing defeat, the Congress has colluded with "anti-national" SDPI and PFI in the Karnataka assembly polls. He said the BJP and RSS lost 24 workers in the last four years but the Siddaramaiah government "did not arrest the murderers." Shah said once the BJP comes to power, it will send every culprit behind bars even if they were hiding in the remotest corner of the world. "Fearing defeat, the Congress government is sitting with the anti-national forces. They aren't ashamed to take the support of PFI and SDPI. JD-S has taken the support of (AIMIM chief Asaduddin) Owaisi," said Shah. After travelling more than 40,000 kilometres in Karnataka for party's poll campaign, Amit Shah is confident of winning the Karnataka assembly polls as he believes PM Modi’s personal popularity has helped the party tap “people’s anger” against the Siddaramaiah government in the state.

Karnataka government has failed on all fronts: Amit Shah to WION

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said "it's a clear fight in Karnataka".&nbsp;

A fight between "clean vs dirty politics", between the "mafia vs people ".&nbsp;

The allusion was to the BJP fielding the controversial Reddy brothers in the upcoming Karnataka elections.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded G Somashekhara Reddy from Ballari city, and his elder brother and former Ballari Lok Sabha member G Karunakara Reddy from Harappanahalli in Davanagere district.

The politically-influential Reddy brothers have often been associated with the iron ore mafia.&nbsp;

"It's a clear fight in Karnataka. Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. Mafia vs People," Rahul tweeted Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also asked for contributions for the Congress' candidates to help take on the financial might of the Reddy brothers.&nbsp;

"With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution," Rahul tweeted.&nbsp;

Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

All eyes are on the election, which is being seen as a harbinger of what might happen in the 2019&nbsp;general elections.&nbsp;

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It's a clear fight in Karnataka. Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. Mafia vs People. With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CleanPoliticswithINC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CleanPoliticswithINC</a><a href="https://t.co/D6zkzjxAgH">https://t.co/D6zkzjxAgH</a>
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'With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution,' Rahul tweeted Tuesday

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said "it's a clear fight in Karnataka". A fight between "clean vs dirty politics", between the "mafia vs people ". The allusion was to the BJP fielding the controversial Reddy brothers in the upcoming Karnataka elections. The BJP has fielded G Somashekhara Reddy from Ballari city, and his elder brother and former Ballari Lok Sabha member G Karunakara Reddy from Harappanahalli in Davanagere district. The politically-influential Reddy brothers have often been associated with the iron ore mafia. "It's a clear fight in Karnataka. Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. Mafia vs People," Rahul tweeted Tuesday. He also asked for contributions for the Congress' candidates to help take on the financial might of the Reddy brothers. "With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution," Rahul tweeted. Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The results will be out on May 15. All eyes are on the election, which is being seen as a harbinger of what might happen in the 2019 general elections. It's a clear fight in Karnataka. Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. Mafia vs People. With the BJP fielding the corrupt Reddy gang, we are trying a novel approach to fund our candidate. Support our candidate by making a contribution.#CleanPoliticswithINChttps://t.co/D6zkzjxAgH — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 8, 2018 ×

'It's a clear fight in Karnataka,' says Rahul. 'Clean vs Dirty Politics, Mafia vs People'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-sonia-hits-campaign-trail-after-2-years-says-wherever-modi-goes-he-distorts-historical-facts-135515">Karnataka elections: Sonia hits campaign trail after 2 years. Says wherever Modi goes, he distorts facts</a>

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi hit the campaign trail Tuesday after two years, and immediately went on the attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un met in northeast China on Tuesday in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader ahead of an expected summit with US President Donald Trump.

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The gunman accused of shooting and wounding&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-was-an-easy-target-says-primary-suspect-after-assassination-attempt-135300">Pakistan's interior minister</a>&nbspis a youth leader of a hardline religious group that sees its mission as enforcing death for blasphemers and ridding government of secular influence, police said in a report.

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Iran's President Hassan Rouhani staked his legacy on efforts to end decades of tension with the West. With the landmark nuclear deal unravelling, what hope is there for his political future?

Karnataka elections: Sonia hits campaign trail after 2 years. Says wherever Modi goes, he distorts facts Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi hit the campaign trail Tuesday after two years, and immediately went on the attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong-Un meet in China Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un met in northeast China on Tuesday in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader ahead of an expected summit with US President Donald Trump. Here is the first picture of the newlyweds: Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja The couple got married in Mumbai at Rockdale as the entire Bollywood fraternity turned up to wish the young couple in their new phase of lives. Islamist group youth leader accused of shooting Pakistani minister: Police The gunman accused of shooting and wounding Pakistan's interior minister&nbspis a youth leader of a hardline religious group that sees its mission as enforcing death for blasphemers and ridding government of secular influence, police said in a report. Iran's Rouhani 'losing everything' due to Trump Iran's President Hassan Rouhani staked his legacy on efforts to end decades of tension with the West. With the landmark nuclear deal unravelling, what hope is there for his political future?

Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an election rally.

The praise was, however, a mere slip of tongue when the state chief minister got confused between his party candidate Narendra Swamy and PM Narendra Modi.

While addressing a rally Siddaramaiah said, "In all the villages, work on roads, drinking water, building houses, all this is possible because of Narendra Modi and us….”

On realising his mistake, the chief minister corrected himself and said, “Sorry sorry...Narendra Swamy….the important word is Narendra.”

The entire crowd including the party candidates accompanying Siddaramaiah on the dais broke into a laughter.&nbsp;

A similar gaffe was committed by<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-blooper-calls-yeddyurappa-government-most-corrupt-126623"> BJP party president Amit Shah </a>in March who had inadvertently called his chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa as the most corrupt.

He had said, "Recently a retired Supreme Court judge said if there was ever a competition of the most corrupt government then the Yeddyurappa government is number one,"

Shah was making a slew of allegations against the Congress government led by chief minister Siddaramaiah.

The praise was, however, a mere slip of tongue when the state chief minister got confused between his party candidate Narendra Swamy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an election rally. The praise was, however, a mere slip of tongue when the state chief minister got confused between his party candidate Narendra Swamy and PM Narendra Modi. While addressing a rally Siddaramaiah said, "In all the villages, work on roads, drinking water, building houses, all this is possible because of Narendra Modi and us….” On realising his mistake, the chief minister corrected himself and said, “Sorry sorry...Narendra Swamy….the important word is Narendra.” The entire crowd including the party candidates accompanying Siddaramaiah on the dais broke into a laughter. A similar gaffe was committed by BJP party president Amit Shah in March who had inadvertently called his chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa as the most corrupt. He had said, "Recently a retired Supreme Court judge said if there was ever a competition of the most corrupt government then the Yeddyurappa government is number one," Shah was making a slew of allegations against the Congress government led by chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah says development in Karnataka because of Narendra Modi, then says 'sorry sorry'

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi hit the campaign trail Tuesday after two years, and immediately went on the attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

"Wherever Modiji goes, he says wrong things and distorts historical facts," Sonia said. "He (Modi) uses the names of heroes from our history for his political motives," she added. &nbsp;

Sonia was speaking in Bijapur. Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12.&nbsp;

Sonia added that Modi was proud of the fact that he is a very good orator. &nbsp;

She added that she agreed with the fact. That "he speaks like an actor." But that "speeches cannot fill empty stomachs, food is needed for that."&nbsp;

She added that Modi can stand no dissent.&nbsp;

"Modi ji par Congress-mukt bharat ka junoon hai, unhe iska bhoot laga hai. Congress-mukt bharat toh chhodiye, woh apne saamne kisi ko bardaash nahi kar sakte."&nbsp;

The Karnataka campaign, like Gujarat before it, has been getting uglier by the day. Modi has accused the state's Congress government of corruption, and of doing nothing for the "development" of the state. The Congress has turned around and asked what BS Yeddyurappa's BJP government did for the state.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-ministers-were-in-delhi-during-the-famine-says-pm-modi-during-karnataka-election-rally-135460">Karnataka ministers were in Delhi during </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-ministers-were-in-delhi-during-the-famine-says-pm-modi-during-karnataka-election-rally-135460">famine</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-ministers-were-in-delhi-during-the-famine-says-pm-modi-during-karnataka-election-rally-135460">, says PM Modi</a>

Sonia continued that charge today.&nbsp;

The Congress has worked for the development of Karnataka, she said, adding "you must know that the central government is working in a biased manner when it comes to Karnataka."&nbsp;

"All states that suffered drought were given compensation (by centre). Karnataka was provided with the least. This was like rubbing salting into the wounds of farmers," she said.&nbsp;

"I ask Modi ji, is this your 'sabka-saath, sabka-vikas'?" she added.&nbsp;

She said that Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had wanted to meet Prime Minister over the Karnataka drought issue but that he refused.&nbsp;

"By doing this he has insulted not only the farmers but also the state of Karnataka," she added.&nbsp;

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Standing by each other & working together, that is the essence of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> & of India: Sonia Gandhi in Bijapur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/zJTcDQ8pkc">pic.twitter.com/zJTcDQ8pkc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/993809307920666625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She said she agreed that Modi was a very good speaker. That 'he speaks like an actor.' But that 'speeches cannot fill empty stomachs'

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi hit the campaign trail Tuesday after two years, and immediately went on the attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Wherever Modiji goes, he says wrong things and distorts historical facts," Sonia said. "He (Modi) uses the names of heroes from our history for his political motives," she added. Sonia was speaking in Bijapur. Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. Sonia added that Modi was proud of the fact that he is a very good orator. She added that she agreed with the fact. That "he speaks like an actor." But that "speeches cannot fill empty stomachs, food is needed for that." She added that Modi can stand no dissent. "Modi ji par Congress-mukt bharat ka junoon hai, unhe iska bhoot laga hai. Congress-mukt bharat toh chhodiye, woh apne saamne kisi ko bardaash nahi kar sakte." The Karnataka campaign, like Gujarat before it, has been getting uglier by the day. Modi has accused the state's Congress government of corruption, and of doing nothing for the "development" of the state. The Congress has turned around and asked what BS Yeddyurappa's BJP government did for the state. Also read: Karnataka ministers were in Delhi during famine, says PM Modi Sonia continued that charge today. The Congress has worked for the development of Karnataka, she said, adding "you must know that the central government is working in a biased manner when it comes to Karnataka." "All states that suffered drought were given compensation (by centre). Karnataka was provided with the least. This was like rubbing salting into the wounds of farmers," she said. "I ask Modi ji, is this your 'sabka-saath, sabka-vikas'?" she added. She said that Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had wanted to meet Prime Minister over the Karnataka drought issue but that he refused. "By doing this he has insulted not only the farmers but also the state of Karnataka," she added. Standing by each other & working together, that is the essence of #Karnataka & of India: Sonia Gandhi in Bijapur #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/zJTcDQ8pkc — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2018 ×

Karnataka elections: Sonia hits campaign trail after 2 years. Says wherever Modi goes, he distorts facts

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