PM Modi took another potshot at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-pm-modi-addresses-bjp-youth-workers-via-namo-app-135050">Congress during the Karnataka </a>election campaign in Vijayapura, asserting that the people will vote against the grand old party in the polls due this week.

"People have decided to remove Congress from Karnataka," PM Modi said, adding that the Congress has given up on the state.

The prime minister has been<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-dubs-congress-a-deal-party-says-no-one-can-save-it-134996"> attacking Congress over </a>the last several days ever since he took up the BJP's poll campaign on May 1st.

"Congress is dividing communities and spreading hatred," the prime minister told people at the rally. PM Modi also took up the plight of the farmers blaming the Congress for "ignoring" them.

"Karnataka ministers were in Delhi during the famine," he said, adding that people will punish the "Congress for its sins."

"Congress believes in divide and rule and his only looking to make excuses," he declared.

Earlier, while replying to a question from a person at a hotel in Bengaluru on whether he would take up the prime ministership if the Congress emerges as the single largest party in the 2019 general elections, Rahul Gandhi had emphatically said: "why not".

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t03GP3mM-YY" width="560"></iframe>

PM Modi also took up the plight of the farmers blaming the Congress for "ignoring" them.

PM Modi took another potshot at the Congress during the Karnataka election campaign in Vijayapura, asserting that the people will vote against the grand old party in the polls due this week. "People have decided to remove Congress from Karnataka," PM Modi said, adding that the Congress has given up on the state. The prime minister has been attacking Congress over the last several days ever since he took up the BJP's poll campaign on May 1st. "Congress is dividing communities and spreading hatred," the prime minister told people at the rally. PM Modi also took up the plight of the farmers blaming the Congress for "ignoring" them. "Karnataka ministers were in Delhi during the famine," he said, adding that people will punish the "Congress for its sins." "Congress believes in divide and rule and his only looking to make excuses," he declared. Earlier, while replying to a question from a person at a hotel in Bengaluru on whether he would take up the prime ministership if the Congress emerges as the single largest party in the 2019 general elections, Rahul Gandhi had emphatically said: "why not".

Karnataka ministers were in Delhi during famine, says PM Modi during Karnataka election rally

PM Modi spearheading the Karnataka election campaign for the BJP addressed the party Youth leaders through the NaMo app today.

The prime minister had undertaken a similar campaign last week while addressing the farmers in the state.

PM Modi had addressed four rallies on Sunday openly attacking the Congress in various issues. He praised the government's Aadhaar initiative and Mobile Jam initiative.

Karnataka will go to the polls on May 12th with results to be declared on May 15th.

Live interaction of PM Modi:

9:40 am: Launch of CMs young leaders programme after BJP wins: PM Modi

9:38 am: 60 state of the art Namma BPO complexes will be setup, he promised, while asserting that tech, innovation is key to India's growth.&nbsp;

My government is creating jobs, he said. The opposition is upset with our vikas&nbsp;(development) push, he said.

9:35 am:&nbsp;BJP is in touch with ground realities, he observed. We have inherited unemployment&nbsp;from the UPA, he said at the live interaction

9:29 am: Karnataka is the hub of startups in India, there is need to create jobs in India, he noted.

UPA is to blame for joblessness, every sector is languishing, he said.

9:25 am: There is a need to increase education and skill, he said during the interaction.

For 20 years India has been languishing, he said.

9:22 am: Replying to a question by a BJP youth worker, the PM said political killings are a big concern, a nationalist BJP youth leader was killed.

There is no place for violence in India, he said, while adding that BJP cadres are being killed.

9:21 am: 5 world class centres will be opened, he said, adding that School of Sports will be set up in Karnataka.

9:18 am: Huge aid for sports if BJP comes to power in the state, he declared.

9: 12 am: There is a Pro-BJP wave in Karnataka, he asserted.

9:11 am:&nbsp; Karnataka has proved itself in every field, PM Modi said, while adding that StandUp India benefits the youth.

9:09 am: Interest in polls shows there is enthusiasm&nbsp;among people, PM Modi said as he began the livestream.

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Karnataka will go to the polls on May 12th with results to be declared on May 15th.

PM Modi spearheading the Karnataka election campaign for the BJP addressed the party Youth leaders through the NaMo app today. The prime minister had undertaken a similar campaign last week while addressing the farmers in the state. PM Modi had addressed four rallies on Sunday openly attacking the Congress in various issues. He praised the government's Aadhaar initiative and Mobile Jam initiative. Karnataka will go to the polls on May 12th with results to be declared on May 15th. Live interaction of PM Modi: 9:40 am: Launch of CMs young leaders programme after BJP wins: PM Modi 9:38 am: 60 state of the art Namma BPO complexes will be setup, he promised, while asserting that tech, innovation is key to India's growth. My government is creating jobs, he said. The opposition is upset with our vikas (development) push, he said. 9:35 am: BJP is in touch with ground realities, he observed. We have inherited unemployment from the UPA, he said at the live interaction 9:29 am: Karnataka is the hub of startups in India, there is need to create jobs in India, he noted. UPA is to blame for joblessness, every sector is languishing, he said. 9:25 am: There is a need to increase education and skill, he said during the interaction. For 20 years India has been languishing, he said. 9:22 am: Replying to a question by a BJP youth worker, the PM said political killings are a big concern, a nationalist BJP youth leader was killed. There is no place for violence in India, he said, while adding that BJP cadres are being killed. 9:21 am: 5 world class centres will be opened, he said, adding that School of Sports will be set up in Karnataka. 9:18 am: Huge aid for sports if BJP comes to power in the state, he declared. 9: 12 am: There is a Pro-BJP wave in Karnataka, he asserted. 9:11 am: Karnataka has proved itself in every field, PM Modi said, while adding that StandUp India benefits the youth. 9:09 am: Interest in polls shows there is enthusiasm among people, PM Modi said as he began the livestream.

We have inherited unemployment from the UPA, says PM Modi on Namo app

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-nation-today-is-experiencing-difficult-times-manmohan-singh-135172">Our nation today is experiencing difficult times: Manmohan Singh</a>

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209">Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah sends </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209">defamation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209"> notice to Modi, Amit Shah and BSY, demands </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209">public</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209"> apology</a>

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sent a legal notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, and the BJP's chief minister candidate for Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-in-hawaii-destroys-26-houses-1700-people-forced-to-leave-home-135201">Hawaii volcano erupts, 1,700 people forced to flee homes</a>

Emergency authorities battling lava flows and gas erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano told some residents to "Go now" as a new fissure opened and more structures were destroyed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-to-take-oath-as-russia-president-for-4th-term-135148">Vladimir Putin takes oath as Russia president for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-to-take-oath-as-russia-president-for-4th-term-135148">4th</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-to-take-oath-as-russia-president-for-4th-term-135148"> term </a>

Putin has taken oath as the president of Russia for the fourth time at the St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin Palace in a traditional ceremony.&nbspPutin's fourth term comes after he won the presidential election in March, capturing 76 per cent votes.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-soldier-injured-after-terrorist-hurls-grenade-in-jks-pulwama-135183">1 injured after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-soldier-injured-after-terrorist-hurls-grenade-in-jks-pulwama-135183">grenade</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-soldier-injured-after-terrorist-hurls-grenade-in-jks-pulwama-135183"> thrown at CRPF, police personnel in J&K's Pulwama</a>

A CRPF personnel sustained injuries in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in an attack by terrorists on Monday. The soldier was injured after a terrorist hurled a grenade at police and CRPF personnel deployed&nbspat Tahab Chowk in Pulwama district.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Our nation today is experiencing difficult times: Manmohan Singh Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah sends defamation notice to Modi, Amit Shah and BSY, demands public apology Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sent a legal notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, and the BJP's chief minister candidate for Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa. Hawaii volcano erupts, 1,700 people forced to flee homes Emergency authorities battling lava flows and gas erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano told some residents to "Go now" as a new fissure opened and more structures were destroyed. Vladimir Putin takes oath as Russia president for 4th term Putin has taken oath as the president of Russia for the fourth time at the St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin Palace in a traditional ceremony.&nbspPutin's fourth term comes after he won the presidential election in March, capturing 76 per cent votes. 1 injured after grenade thrown at CRPF, police personnel in J&K's Pulwama A CRPF personnel sustained injuries in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in an attack by terrorists on Monday. The soldier was injured after a terrorist hurled a grenade at police and CRPF personnel deployed&nbspat Tahab Chowk in Pulwama district.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A social workers'&nbsp;group, Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity (DAARI) has appealed to Election Commission (EC) to enrol beggars and homeless people across Karnataka on the voters'&nbsp;list and until then stop all election process.

DAARI convenor Ravi Bangera has also requested Deputy Commissioner of Mangalore Shashikant Senthil to enrol all beggars who are in the city.

Senthil said, "We are verifying details of beggars, once that is done we will enrol their names in the list.

"He further said that they are verifying details of beggars in many places including beggars rehabilitation centres and other places".

Reportedly, five per cent of Karnataka's populations are into begging and a majority of them have not been enrolled as voters.

The appeal comes ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections to be held on May 12.&nbsp;

The social workers' group Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity had appealed to the Election Commission to enrol all beggars across Karnataka on the voters' list

A social workers' group, Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity (DAARI) has appealed to Election Commission (EC) to enrol beggars and homeless people across Karnataka on the voters' list and until then stop all election process. DAARI convenor Ravi Bangera has also requested Deputy Commissioner of Mangalore Shashikant Senthil to enrol all beggars who are in the city. Senthil said, "We are verifying details of beggars, once that is done we will enrol their names in the list. "He further said that they are verifying details of beggars in many places including beggars rehabilitation centres and other places". Reportedly, five per cent of Karnataka's populations are into begging and a majority of them have not been enrolled as voters. The appeal comes ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections to be held on May 12.

Karnataka elections: Mangalore verifying beggars' details, will enrol them on voters' list

Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls.

He added that the state government was committed to protecting the interest of Goa in the dispute.

Karnataka and Goa, the riparian states of the Mahadayi river (known as Mandovi in Goa), have been locked in a bitter battle on sharing the river's water.

The river originates in Belagavi in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters, Sardesai said, "The principal opposition party (Congress) is not willing to put out its stand (on the Mahadayi river water dispute) because it (Congress) is going to be affected in Karnataka."

The GFP leader was reacting to statements made on the contentious river issue by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar.

During a poll rally in Karnataka last week, Modi had claimed that the then Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had said, during Goa Assembly polls in 2007, that her party was "committed" to not allowing the southern state its share of water.

Reacting to it, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar&nbspsaid on Sunday such statements were being made just before the Karnataka polls to "confuse the voters".

"I urge them (BJP leaders) to make a categorical statement within 72 hours, and not to wait till the Karnataka elections are over, if they are serious about this issue," Chodankar had told reporters here last night.&nbsp

Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls

Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls. He added that the state government was committed to protecting the interest of Goa in the dispute. Karnataka and Goa, the riparian states of the Mahadayi river (known as Mandovi in Goa), have been locked in a bitter battle on sharing the river's water. The river originates in Belagavi in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters, Sardesai said, "The principal opposition party (Congress) is not willing to put out its stand (on the Mahadayi river water dispute) because it (Congress) is going to be affected in Karnataka." The GFP leader was reacting to statements made on the contentious river issue by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar. During a poll rally in Karnataka last week, Modi had claimed that the then Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had said, during Goa Assembly polls in 2007, that her party was "committed" to not allowing the southern state its share of water. Reacting to it, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar&nbspsaid on Sunday such statements were being made just before the Karnataka polls to "confuse the voters". "I urge them (BJP leaders) to make a categorical statement within 72 hours, and not to wait till the Karnataka elections are over, if they are serious about this issue," Chodankar had told reporters here last night.

BJP-led Goa government hits out at Congress over Mahadayi water dispute

Protesting against the high petrol and fuel prices, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today rode a bicycle as he led a march on the issue while campaigning in Karnataka's Kolar district.

Later, standing on a bullock cart, he addressed a gathering where he alleged that the BJP-led government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its "rich friends" and asked it to tell the people why they were not reducing the price of petrol in the country.

Gandhi, who resumed his poll campaign for the May 12 assembly polls, took out a protest march in Maluru in Kolar against rising petrol prices by riding a bicycle with other Congress workers walking or running behind him.

The world over petrol prices were decreasing, but in India prices were still high, he lamented.

"Earlier in international market, the price was USD 140 per barrel, now it is USD 70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of money is being saved by the government. Where is the money going?" Gandhi asked.

"Why are you not saying to people that you don't want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends," he said before the gathering.

"You want to take money from the pockets of those driving scooter, truck, bus and other vehicles in the country and want to give it your rich friends," the Congress leader said.

During his three-day visit, Gandhi will be campaigning in Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkballapura, Tumakuru districts and Bengaluru city. PTI&nbsp;

The Congress President alleged the BJP-led government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its 'rich friends'. Rahul was campaigning in Karnataka, which goes to the polls on May 12

Protesting against the high petrol and fuel prices, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today rode a bicycle as he led a march on the issue while campaigning in Karnataka's Kolar district. Later, standing on a bullock cart, he addressed a gathering where he alleged that the BJP-led government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its "rich friends" and asked it to tell the people why they were not reducing the price of petrol in the country. Gandhi, who resumed his poll campaign for the May 12 assembly polls, took out a protest march in Maluru in Kolar against rising petrol prices by riding a bicycle with other Congress workers walking or running behind him. The world over petrol prices were decreasing, but in India prices were still high, he lamented. "Earlier in international market, the price was USD 140 per barrel, now it is USD 70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of money is being saved by the government. Where is the money going?" Gandhi asked. "Why are you not saying to people that you don't want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends," he said before the gathering. "You want to take money from the pockets of those driving scooter, truck, bus and other vehicles in the country and want to give it your rich friends," the Congress leader said. During his three-day visit, Gandhi will be campaigning in Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkballapura, Tumakuru districts and Bengaluru city. PTI

Watch: Rahul rides cycle in Karnataka to protest fuel prices, gives speech from bullock cart

PM Modi addressed a rally in poll-bound Karnataka's Chitradurga district today.

Launching an attack on the Congress, the prime minister said the party had played with the sentiments of the people of Chitradurga.

"Look at the Congress leaders, they do not know, whom they should remember and celebrate. They are at the forefront of celebrating jayantis of sultans," PM Modi said referring to the celebration of Tipu Jayanti in the state.

PM Modi claimed that the Congress did not care about the Dalits and was only concerned with deals.

"Congress does not care about 'Dil' (people's hearts and feelings) or Dalits. They only care about deals. If they cannot do welfare, then they should be bid farewell," PM Modi said.

"Congress is obviously uncomfortable today because the highest offices of the land are occupied by people from poor and humble backgrounds. That is why now Congress prefers to mislead in the name of the Dalit community," the prime minister said.

"Nijalingappa ji, the proud son of this land was insulted by one family who cannot tolerate independent leaders emerging in the Party. Nijalingappa ji committed the crime of questioning some of the policies from the time of Pandit Nehru." 
 
Hailing Chitradurga as a land of bravehearts and scientists, PM Modi said the district's farmers had turned problems into opportunities and had always fought against drought.

"This place is synonymous with Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and is a living example of this mantra," PM Modi said.

"Your farmers have created history," PM Modi said. "This land always battles drought."

"Chitradurga will soon become the hotspot of science and technology. It is a matter of pride that the mission Chandrayaan 2 is taking place on this soil by the ISRO unit of Chitradurga," PM Modi said.

The prime minister earlier thanked the people of Chitradurga and said he was humbled by their massive response.

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Launching an attack on the Congress, the prime minister said the party had played with the sentiments of the people of Chitradurga

PM Modi addressed a rally in poll-bound Karnataka's Chitradurga district today. Launching an attack on the Congress, the prime minister said the party had played with the sentiments of the people of Chitradurga. "Look at the Congress leaders, they do not know, whom they should remember and celebrate. They are at the forefront of celebrating jayantis of sultans," PM Modi said referring to the celebration of Tipu Jayanti in the state. PM Modi claimed that the Congress did not care about the Dalits and was only concerned with deals. "Congress does not care about 'Dil' (people's hearts and feelings) or Dalits. They only care about deals. If they cannot do welfare, then they should be bid farewell," PM Modi said. "Congress is obviously uncomfortable today because the highest offices of the land are occupied by people from poor and humble backgrounds. That is why now Congress prefers to mislead in the name of the Dalit community," the prime minister said. "Nijalingappa ji, the proud son of this land was insulted by one family who cannot tolerate independent leaders emerging in the Party. Nijalingappa ji committed the crime of questioning some of the policies from the time of Pandit Nehru." Hailing Chitradurga as a land of bravehearts and scientists, PM Modi said the district's farmers had turned problems into opportunities and had always fought against drought. "This place is synonymous with Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and is a living example of this mantra," PM Modi said. "Your farmers have created history," PM Modi said. "This land always battles drought." "Chitradurga will soon become the hotspot of science and technology. It is a matter of pride that the mission Chandrayaan 2 is taking place on this soil by the ISRO unit of Chitradurga," PM Modi said. The prime minister earlier thanked the people of Chitradurga and said he was humbled by their massive response. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Karnataka's Chitradurga https://t.co/nXq33LmyOx — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2018 ×

Congress at forefront of celebrating jayantis of sultans: PM Modi at Karnataka rally

"Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi was addressing a rally in Karnataka's Raichur ahead of upcoming assembly elections.

Praising his government's Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) initiative, he said&nbsp;Congress is worried about facing difficulties in looting the poor after BJP wins the elections

"When Sonia Gandhi's government was in power, LED bulb used to be sold at Rs 350. Now in our government, the bulb are being sold at Rs 50. Where were the extra Rs 300 spent", he added.

He also targetted the Congress over the series of disruptions that the Parliament underwent in the last session and blamed the Congress for having an Anti-Dalit and OBC mindset.

He said, "Congress owes an explanation to the nation on why it is not letting Parliament function. Anti-Dalit and anti-OBC mindset of the Congress is the reason why the party is stalling Parliament and not allowing the creation of the OBC commission".

The Karnataka Government must give an account of the work they have done for the people of the state. Instead, all they do is- Modi, Modi, Modi. They just keep abusing me".

There are many people who are sitting in AC rooms and saying there will be a hung assembly. I want to tell them to come to Raichur and see the mood on the ground.

While addressing another rally in Jamakhandi, PM Modi attacked the Congress for supporting the JNU sloganeering in 2016.

He said, "Some people feel uncomfortable when patriotism, nationalism, national song are discussed. Congress faced such downfall that its leaders started giving blessings to people who raised slogans of 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and demanded proofs of surgical strikes from Army."

"Congress' forgot even Bhagwan Basaveshwara, but started recalling his name when Karnataka Elections 2018 came near. It was during Atal Ji's leadership, that a statue of Bhagwaan Basaveshwara was put up in the Parliament".

"To win or to lose is a part of elections. One must accept their defeat. But Congress leaders are 'Naamdaars'. They didn't congratulate us 'Kaamdaars'. Such is their arrogance that they didn't even pay a courtesy call to President upon his win". 
&nbsp;

PM Modi said, 'Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar and Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor'

"Congress had an eco-system of looting. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry at me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi was addressing a rally in Karnataka's Raichur ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Praising his government's Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number (JAM) initiative, he said Congress is worried about facing difficulties in looting the poor after BJP wins the elections "When Sonia Gandhi's government was in power, LED bulb used to be sold at Rs 350. Now in our government, the bulb are being sold at Rs 50. Where were the extra Rs 300 spent", he added. He also targetted the Congress over the series of disruptions that the Parliament underwent in the last session and blamed the Congress for having an Anti-Dalit and OBC mindset. He said, "Congress owes an explanation to the nation on why it is not letting Parliament function. Anti-Dalit and anti-OBC mindset of the Congress is the reason why the party is stalling Parliament and not allowing the creation of the OBC commission". The Karnataka Government must give an account of the work they have done for the people of the state. Instead, all they do is- Modi, Modi, Modi. They just keep abusing me". There are many people who are sitting in AC rooms and saying there will be a hung assembly. I want to tell them to come to Raichur and see the mood on the ground. While addressing another rally in Jamakhandi, PM Modi attacked the Congress for supporting the JNU sloganeering in 2016. He said, "Some people feel uncomfortable when patriotism, nationalism, national song are discussed. Congress faced such downfall that its leaders started giving blessings to people who raised slogans of 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and demanded proofs of surgical strikes from Army." "Congress' forgot even Bhagwan Basaveshwara, but started recalling his name when Karnataka Elections 2018 came near. It was during Atal Ji's leadership, that a statue of Bhagwaan Basaveshwara was put up in the Parliament". "To win or to lose is a part of elections. One must accept their defeat. But Congress leaders are 'Naamdaars'. They didn't congratulate us 'Kaamdaars'. Such is their arrogance that they didn't even pay a courtesy call to President upon his win".

Karnataka polls: Modi says Congress worried about facing difficulties in looting poor after defeat

Firing a barrage of barbs at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today labelled it as a "deal party" that was being uprooted from all over the country and said no one can save it now.

Taking the BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide the society.

At poll rallies in Chitradurga and Raichur, he flayed the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah for celebrating the "jayantis of sultans" (birth anniversaries of Muslim rulers) for the sake of "vote bank politics".

He was apparently referring to the Siddaramaiah government's controversial decision of celebrating "Tipu Jayanti" every year on November 10, commemorating Tipu Sultan, the legendary 18th-century ruler of Mysore.

Modi accused the Congress of protecting the corrupt, adopting a divide-and-rule policy, making false promises and having no agenda other than "abusing Modi."

Listing out a string of electoral defeats of the Congress, including those in Maharashtra and Tripura, he said, "From every corner of the country, the Congress has gone".

"...And in Karnataka?" he asked the crowd, which said the Congress will be ousted from power in the southern state as well.

"Now they cannot survive. No one can save the Congress now. For 70 years they have misled and befooled the people," Modi said, as he continued his campaign blitz across Karnataka where the party is heavily banking on him.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The state goes to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 15.

At his rally in Chitradurga, Modi, while referring to corruption charges against a minister without naming him, said, "The Congress is a party that neither has dil (heart) nor is it pro-Dalit. It is a deal party."

Targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the prime minister said he always keeps character certificates ready in his suitcase. "Whenever an allegation of corruption against a minister is made, he immediately takes out a character certificate, writes the name and tells the people he is honest.

"The time has come to bid farewell to the Congress party that is not interested in your welfare. Make it a clean sweep for the BJP and send this chief minister home as he only goes around giving clean chits," Modi told the crowd.

Accusing the Congress of sidelining stalwarts like B R Ambedkar and undivided Congress president and former Karnataka chief minister S Nijalingappa, he said the party was interested in promoting only one family and naming "thousands of schemes" after them.

At Raichur, he said the Congress' "new mantra is spreading lies".

The Congress has realised its "vote bank politics is shaken" and, therefore, it has started a campaign for "misleading and spreading lies" among Dalits, and asked them to be aware, Modi said.

The prime minister accused the Congress of not allowing parliament to function because it feared he was "gaining the trust of the people by completing his works successfully one after the other".

He said the Karnataka elections were a contest between the Congress' "misdeeds and people's aspirations".

"On one side is the BJP with the mantra of 'sab ka saath sab ka vikaas (together with all development for all). On the other side is the Congress party that believes in doing everything for one family," he said.

While the BJP was fighting against the corrupt system, the Congress protects the corrupt, he alleged. The BJP was progressing in politics with the"blessings of people", while the Congress was dividing people, creating rift between brothers and following a divide-and-rule policy, Modi said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The prime minister asked the Congress to give an account of its work in Karnataka in the last five years.

"From morning till evening they just say Modi, Modi, Modi. Other than abusing Modi in this election is there any agenda for the Congress? The time has come to see off such a Congress party," he said.

Taking the BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide the society.

Firing a barrage of barbs at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today labelled it as a "deal party" that was being uprooted from all over the country and said no one can save it now. Taking the BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide the society. At poll rallies in Chitradurga and Raichur, he flayed the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah for celebrating the "jayantis of sultans" (birth anniversaries of Muslim rulers) for the sake of "vote bank politics". He was apparently referring to the Siddaramaiah government's controversial decision of celebrating "Tipu Jayanti" every year on November 10, commemorating Tipu Sultan, the legendary 18th-century ruler of Mysore. Modi accused the Congress of protecting the corrupt, adopting a divide-and-rule policy, making false promises and having no agenda other than "abusing Modi." Listing out a string of electoral defeats of the Congress, including those in Maharashtra and Tripura, he said, "From every corner of the country, the Congress has gone". "...And in Karnataka?" he asked the crowd, which said the Congress will be ousted from power in the southern state as well. "Now they cannot survive. No one can save the Congress now. For 70 years they have misled and befooled the people," Modi said, as he continued his campaign blitz across Karnataka where the party is heavily banking on him. The state goes to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 15. At his rally in Chitradurga, Modi, while referring to corruption charges against a minister without naming him, said, "The Congress is a party that neither has dil (heart) nor is it pro-Dalit. It is a deal party." Targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the prime minister said he always keeps character certificates ready in his suitcase. "Whenever an allegation of corruption against a minister is made, he immediately takes out a character certificate, writes the name and tells the people he is honest. "The time has come to bid farewell to the Congress party that is not interested in your welfare. Make it a clean sweep for the BJP and send this chief minister home as he only goes around giving clean chits," Modi told the crowd. Accusing the Congress of sidelining stalwarts like B R Ambedkar and undivided Congress president and former Karnataka chief minister S Nijalingappa, he said the party was interested in promoting only one family and naming "thousands of schemes" after them. At Raichur, he said the Congress' "new mantra is spreading lies". The Congress has realised its "vote bank politics is shaken" and, therefore, it has started a campaign for "misleading and spreading lies" among Dalits, and asked them to be aware, Modi said. The prime minister accused the Congress of not allowing parliament to function because it feared he was "gaining the trust of the people by completing his works successfully one after the other". He said the Karnataka elections were a contest between the Congress' "misdeeds and people's aspirations". "On one side is the BJP with the mantra of 'sab ka saath sab ka vikaas (together with all development for all). On the other side is the Congress party that believes in doing everything for one family," he said. While the BJP was fighting against the corrupt system, the Congress protects the corrupt, he alleged. The BJP was progressing in politics with the"blessings of people", while the Congress was dividing people, creating rift between brothers and following a divide-and-rule policy, Modi said. The prime minister asked the Congress to give an account of its work in Karnataka in the last five years. "From morning till evening they just say Modi, Modi, Modi. Other than abusing Modi in this election is there any agenda for the Congress? The time has come to see off such a Congress party," he said.

Karnataka polls: Modi dubs Congress a 'deal party', says no one can save it

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that the BJP and RSS believed that Dalits and Adivasis should exist at the bottom rung of society.

Rahul Gandhi posted a video on Twitter showing atrocities against Dalits.

The Congress president wrote: "Central to the RSS/ BJP fascist ideology, is that Dalits & Adivasis must continue to exist at the bottom rung of society. In this disturbing video, the dangers of this mindset and how it’s openly propagated by senior RSS/ BJP leaders is revealed."

The video begins by stating that there is "horrific untouchability and violence against Dalits under the BJP."

It states that though PM Modi preaches co-operation by everyone, "every 12 minutes, Dalits faces atrocity, everyday six Dalit women are raped".&nbsp;

"Dalits are facing countless atrocities at the hands of PM Modi's brand of development."

In the video, the Congress president claims that the BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa practices untouchability in the 21st century and that he accepts Dalit votes but not food from a Dalit kitchen.

Referring to the Una incident, the video states that "lynchings are the essence of caste relations in Modi's India."

It concludes by stating, "Why are Dalits constantly prosecuted in Modi's new India... His silence reflects the mindset of RSS and BJP... Speak-up Mr Modi." 
&nbsp;

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Central to the RSS/ BJP fascist ideology, is that Dalits & Adivasis must continue to exist at the bottom rung of society. 
 
In this disturbing video, the dangers of this mindset and how it’s openly propagated by senior RSS/ BJP leaders is revealed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnswerMaadiModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnswerMaadiModi</a> <a href="https://t.co/gX2NwL0q27">pic.twitter.com/gX2NwL0q27</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/992965732857208832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah also chimed in, tweeting that Dalits did not need "empty outreach strategies like having meals with them. What they need is empowerment with dignity and justice. Will you take affirmative action or will you continue to send your leaders to Dalit homes with packed dinners?."&nbsp; 
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What Dalits need are not empty outreach strategies like having meals with them. 
 
What they need is empowerment with dignity and justice. 
 
Will you take affirmative action or will you continue to send your leaders to Dalit homes with packed dinners? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnswerMaadiModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnswerMaadiModi</a> <a href="https://t.co/430b5iBLto">https://t.co/430b5iBLto</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/992992624100360193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He was referring to Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Raina who had gone to a Dalit home for a meal carrying packed lunches. 
 
About 23 per cent of Karnataka's population comprises of Dalits.

The state goes to polls on May 12.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi posted a video on Twitter showing atrocities against Dalits

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that the BJP and RSS believed that Dalits and Adivasis should exist at the bottom rung of society. Rahul Gandhi posted a video on Twitter showing atrocities against Dalits. The Congress president wrote: "Central to the RSS/ BJP fascist ideology, is that Dalits & Adivasis must continue to exist at the bottom rung of society. In this disturbing video, the dangers of this mindset and how it’s openly propagated by senior RSS/ BJP leaders is revealed." The video begins by stating that there is "horrific untouchability and violence against Dalits under the BJP." It states that though PM Modi preaches co-operation by everyone, "every 12 minutes, Dalits faces atrocity, everyday six Dalit women are raped". "Dalits are facing countless atrocities at the hands of PM Modi's brand of development." In the video, the Congress president claims that the BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa practices untouchability in the 21st century and that he accepts Dalit votes but not food from a Dalit kitchen. Referring to the Una incident, the video states that "lynchings are the essence of caste relations in Modi's India." It concludes by stating, "Why are Dalits constantly prosecuted in Modi's new India... His silence reflects the mindset of RSS and BJP... Speak-up Mr Modi." Central to the RSS/ BJP fascist ideology, is that Dalits & Adivasis must continue to exist at the bottom rung of society. In this disturbing video, the dangers of this mindset and how it’s openly propagated by senior RSS/ BJP leaders is revealed. #AnswerMaadiModi pic.twitter.com/gX2NwL0q27 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 6, 2018 × Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah also chimed in, tweeting that Dalits did not need "empty outreach strategies like having meals with them. What they need is empowerment with dignity and justice. Will you take affirmative action or will you continue to send your leaders to Dalit homes with packed dinners?." What Dalits need are not empty outreach strategies like having meals with them. What they need is empowerment with dignity and justice. Will you take affirmative action or will you continue to send your leaders to Dalit homes with packed dinners? #AnswerMaadiModi https://t.co/430b5iBLto — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 6, 2018 × He was referring to Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Raina who had gone to a Dalit home for a meal carrying packed lunches. About 23 per cent of Karnataka's population comprises of Dalits. The state goes to polls on May 12.

BJP wants Dalits to exist at the bottom rung of society: Rahul Gandhi

In the run-up to the Karnataka elections, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today posted a video challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reply to the allegations of corruption against BJP leaders from the state.

Rahul wrote on Twitter that while PM Modi talked a lot, his actions did not match his words. The Congress president added that the video played out like an episode of "Karnataka's Most Wanted".

The Congress president tweeted: "You talk a lot. Problem is, your actions don’t match your words. Here's a primer on your candidate selection in Karnataka.&nbsp;It plays like an episode of "Karnataka's Most Wanted".&nbsp;

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Dear Modi ji, 
 
You talk a lot. Problem is, your actions don’t match your words. Here's a primer on your candidate selection in Karnataka. 
 
It plays like an episode of "Karnataka's Most Wanted". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnswerMaadiModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnswerMaadiModi</a> <a href="https://t.co/G97AjBQUgO">pic.twitter.com/G97AjBQUgO</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/992619654811185152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The video begins by asking PM Modi to speak for five minutes on the eight tickets granted to the corrupt Reddy brothers "gang" and on making BS Yeddyurappa the BJP's chief ministerial candidate despite the "23 cases of corruption, cheating and forgery" against him.

The video asks PM Modi when he will speak on the top 11 BJP leaders facing corruption cases.

It names B Sriramulu, Somashekar Reddy, TH Suresh Babu, Katta Subramanya Naidu, CT Ravi, Murgesh Nirani, ES EN Krisshnaiah Shetty Malur, K Shivanagouda Nayak, R Ashok, and Shobha Karandlaje as the BJP candidates facing criminal cases.&nbsp;

"Putting a lid on the Rs 35,000 crore illegal iron ore mining scam of the Reddy brothers. Awaiting your reply," states the video which shows external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj giving her blessings to the infamous Reddy brothers.

 
&nbsp;

In the run-up to the Karnataka elections, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today posted a video challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reply to the allegations of corruption against BJP leaders from the state

In the run-up to the Karnataka elections, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today posted a video challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reply to the allegations of corruption against BJP leaders from the state. Rahul wrote on Twitter that while PM Modi talked a lot, his actions did not match his words. The Congress president added that the video played out like an episode of "Karnataka's Most Wanted". The Congress president tweeted: "You talk a lot. Problem is, your actions don’t match your words. Here's a primer on your candidate selection in Karnataka. It plays like an episode of "Karnataka's Most Wanted". Dear Modi ji, You talk a lot. Problem is, your actions don’t match your words. Here's a primer on your candidate selection in Karnataka. It plays like an episode of "Karnataka's Most Wanted". #AnswerMaadiModi pic.twitter.com/G97AjBQUgO — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 5, 2018 × The video begins by asking PM Modi to speak for five minutes on the eight tickets granted to the corrupt Reddy brothers "gang" and on making BS Yeddyurappa the BJP's chief ministerial candidate despite the "23 cases of corruption, cheating and forgery" against him. The video asks PM Modi when he will speak on the top 11 BJP leaders facing corruption cases. It names B Sriramulu, Somashekar Reddy, TH Suresh Babu, Katta Subramanya Naidu, CT Ravi, Murgesh Nirani, ES EN Krisshnaiah Shetty Malur, K Shivanagouda Nayak, R Ashok, and Shobha Karandlaje as the BJP candidates facing criminal cases. "Putting a lid on the Rs 35,000 crore illegal iron ore mining scam of the Reddy brothers. Awaiting your reply," states the video which shows external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj giving her blessings to the infamous Reddy brothers.

'Karnataka's most wanted': Rahul Gandhi fires fresh salvo at PM Modi

While addressing a rally in Karnataka&nbsp;ahead of the assembly elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi targetted Congress for using "foul language" for his chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

PM Modi launched a series of attack on Congress for using "foul language against Yeddyurappa", over the "killings" of the BJP workers in the state, playing divide and rule politics.

He said the Congress uses foul language against Yeddyurappa and makes baseless allegations against him.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi's claim that he would not allow thieves sit in Legislative Assembly, Modi further attacked the party&nbsp;asking why the Congress never talks about their leaders "whose almirahs and bed sheets were found laden with notes".

Modi said one of the Congress ministers in Karnataka had assets worth Rs 75 crore in 2008 that grew to Rs 250 crore in 2013 and to a whopping Rs 800 crore now.

He said, " Congress uses foul&nbsp;language for Yeddyurappa ji, makes baseless allegations him against ignoring his age, contribution to society and experience in politics. Yeddyurappa Ji used to visit houses of poor people and Congress mocked that too. This was an insult of&nbsp;the poor."

"All kinds of 'anap shanap' (rubbish) language is being used...I want to tell the people of Shivamogga to ensure that Congress candidates lose their deposit, Yeddyurappa's insult is avenged," he said.

He said " There is no difference between the 'C'&nbsp;of Congress and 'C'&nbsp;of corruption. Even now, they cry foul of demonetisation".

PM Modi also questioned the party about PFI and SIMI asking who "gifted" such violent organisations to Karnataka.

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Britishers used to work on the policy of 'Divide and rule', Congress is walking on their footsteps and trying to create divide between society on basis of religion and castes: PM Modi in Shimoga <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ix3itkYCsu">pic.twitter.com/ix3itkYCsu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/992723779687198720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from Agencies)

PM Modi launched a series of attack on Congress for using 'foul language against Yeddyurappa', over the 'killings' of the BJP workers in the state, playing divide and rule politics

While addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi targetted Congress for using "foul language" for his chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa. PM Modi launched a series of attack on Congress for using "foul language against Yeddyurappa", over the "killings" of the BJP workers in the state, playing divide and rule politics. He said the Congress uses foul language against Yeddyurappa and makes baseless allegations against him. Referring to Rahul Gandhi's claim that he would not allow thieves sit in Legislative Assembly, Modi further attacked the party asking why the Congress never talks about their leaders "whose almirahs and bed sheets were found laden with notes". Modi said one of the Congress ministers in Karnataka had assets worth Rs 75 crore in 2008 that grew to Rs 250 crore in 2013 and to a whopping Rs 800 crore now. He said, " Congress uses foul language for Yeddyurappa ji, makes baseless allegations him against ignoring his age, contribution to society and experience in politics. Yeddyurappa Ji used to visit houses of poor people and Congress mocked that too. This was an insult of the poor." "All kinds of 'anap shanap' (rubbish) language is being used...I want to tell the people of Shivamogga to ensure that Congress candidates lose their deposit, Yeddyurappa's insult is avenged," he said. He said " There is no difference between the 'C' of Congress and 'C' of corruption. Even now, they cry foul of demonetisation". PM Modi also questioned the party about PFI and SIMI asking who "gifted" such violent organisations to Karnataka. Britishers used to work on the policy of 'Divide and rule', Congress is walking on their footsteps and trying to create divide between society on basis of religion and castes: PM Modi in Shimoga #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ix3itkYCsu — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2018 × (With inputs from Agencies)

Congress uses foul language for Yeddyurappa, makes baseless allegations against him: Modi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yogi-adityanath-cuts-short-karnataka-campaign-to-visit-storm-ravaged-agra-134673">Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath</a> has distributed a cheque of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of people who died in the dust storm in Agra's Fatehabad on Wednesday.

Yogi Adityanath said, " Relief has been provided to the affected. Kin of those who died have been given Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia and the injured are given free treatment in hospitals".

Yogi Adityanath&nbsp;rushed back to Uttar Pradesh from Karnataka&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;night where&nbsp;he was scheduled to address election rallies till Saturday.

The Chief Minister had cut short his election tour after opposition attacked him for staying away from his own state even after the storm claimed 75 lives in Uttar Pradesh.

About 40 people died in the thunderstorm in Agra on Wednesday.

After visiting Agra, the CM is set to visit&nbsp;Kanpur and other areas affected by the dust storm.

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CM Yogi Adityanath distributes cheques to people affected by dust storm in Agra's Fatehabad. CM says, "Relief has been provided to the affected. Kin of those who died have been given Rs 4 lakhs as ex-gratia and the injured are given free treatment in hospitals." <a href="https://t.co/D04flBIyjT">pic.twitter.com/D04flBIyjT</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/992674813608103936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Yogi Adityanath said, 'Relief has been provided to the affected. Kin of those who died have been given Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia and the injured are given free treatment in hospitals'

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has distributed a cheque of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of people who died in the dust storm in Agra's Fatehabad on Wednesday. Yogi Adityanath said, " Relief has been provided to the affected. Kin of those who died have been given Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia and the injured are given free treatment in hospitals". Yogi Adityanath rushed back to Uttar Pradesh from Karnataka on Friday night where he was scheduled to address election rallies till Saturday. The Chief Minister had cut short his election tour after opposition attacked him for staying away from his own state even after the storm claimed 75 lives in Uttar Pradesh. About 40 people died in the thunderstorm in Agra on Wednesday. After visiting Agra, the CM is set to visit Kanpur and other areas affected by the dust storm. CM Yogi Adityanath distributes cheques to people affected by dust storm in Agra's Fatehabad. CM says, "Relief has been provided to the affected. Kin of those who died have been given Rs 4 lakhs as ex-gratia and the injured are given free treatment in hospitals." pic.twitter.com/D04flBIyjT — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2018 ×

Yogi Adityanath distributes Rs 4 lakh to each kin of those died in storm

In a highly caste-ridden state like Karnataka, all election debates centre around&nbsp;caste. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led ruling Congress is confident of retaining the government while the BJP is also ready with its own data and hopeful of a win.&nbsp;

The JD (S), trying hard to create a badly hung Assembly, claiming that it will come to power is making its own calculations.

The stakes are high for everyone in the high-octane election largely being seen as a semi-final ahead of the final showdown in 2019. The&nbsp;caste equation plays an important role in any election in the country and Karnataka is no different. All parties of the southern state are baking on caste-centric approach, as is evident in their campaign, to win the polls.

Siddaramaiah government conducted a caste census in the state in 2015. Though official results of the same have not been made public, &nbsp;various media outlets reported on the caste divisions in the state, claiming to be from the survey.&nbsp;

According to the census data, Dalits and Muslims outnumber Lingayats and Vokkaligas. The Scheduled Castes (SCs) account for 19.5 per cent of the total population in the state, making it the single-largest caste entity. Muslims come next, making up 16 per cent. These two groups are followed by the Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who make up 14 per cent and 11 per cent of the population, respectively.

Among the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Kurubas alone account for 7 per cent of the state’s population. Overall, the OBCs make up 20 per cent of Karnataka’s population.&nbsp;

As per the data, SCs, STs, Muslims and Kurubas together form 47.5 per cent of the total population, making it the strongest combination. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits) group would be the most formidable one in the state, forcing Lingayats and Vokkaligas to play second fiddle to them.&nbsp;

The revelations of the survey punched holes in the earlier claims of Lingayats and Vokkaligas that their communities are the majority in the state.&nbsp;

Since Independence, Lingayats and Vokkaligas have been controlling the levers of power, claiming to be the ‘top communities’ in the state. The two castes have always accounted for 50 per cent of the MP and MLA seats from the state, irrespective of the party in power.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, about 80 percent of the 6.5 crore population of Karnataka belongs to Minorities, OBCs, SCs and STs.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah belongs to the backward caste Kurubas, who popularly proclaims himself to be following socio-political philosophy ‘Ahinda’ (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits). Among the crucial election promises of Congress party in the state is to enhance the reservation quota for SCs, STs and OBCs from 50 per cent to 70 per cent, thus wooing voters from minority and vulnerable communities seem to be Congress line of approach.

Siddaramaiah-led Congress government recently accepted an expert committee’s recommendation, and accorded the status of a religion (a minority one) to the Lingayat sect, until now considered a part of Hinduism.

The move, which analysts see as an astute political move and opponents as an opportunistic one with an eye on the forthcoming state elections in Karnataka, acknowledges an almost four-decade-long demand by the Lingayats.

Lingayats currently have 5 per cent reservation and are classified as an Other Backward Class.

BS Yeddyurappa, BJP state president and party’s chief ministerial candidate belongs to Lingayat community, the dominant caste in the state. Despite corruption charges, BJP made him the chief ministerial candidate as his support base among the Lingayat voters remains intact. &nbsp;

The BJP, which has largely been seen as a ‘Lingayat’ party has failed to win the support of the Vokkaliga community. But with former Congressman SM Krishna joining the BJP, the party is trying to win the Vokkaliga votes and make inroads into the Old Mysore region.

On the other hand, JD(S) had earlier announced that its CM candidate as HD Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, belongs to Vokkaligas, another dominant caste in the state.

On 8 February, JD(S) had officially forged an alliance with Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) for the upcoming elections. Therefore hoping support from upper caste Vokkaligas and Dalits. 
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Caste equation plays an important role in any election in the country and Karnataka is no different.

In a highly caste-ridden state like Karnataka, all election debates centre around caste. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led ruling Congress is confident of retaining the government while the BJP is also ready with its own data and hopeful of a win. The JD (S), trying hard to create a badly hung Assembly, claiming that it will come to power is making its own calculations. The stakes are high for everyone in the high-octane election largely being seen as a semi-final ahead of the final showdown in 2019. The caste equation plays an important role in any election in the country and Karnataka is no different. All parties of the southern state are baking on caste-centric approach, as is evident in their campaign, to win the polls. Siddaramaiah government conducted a caste census in the state in 2015. Though official results of the same have not been made public, various media outlets reported on the caste divisions in the state, claiming to be from the survey. According to the census data, Dalits and Muslims outnumber Lingayats and Vokkaligas. The Scheduled Castes (SCs) account for 19.5 per cent of the total population in the state, making it the single-largest caste entity. Muslims come next, making up 16 per cent. These two groups are followed by the Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who make up 14 per cent and 11 per cent of the population, respectively. Among the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Kurubas alone account for 7 per cent of the state’s population. Overall, the OBCs make up 20 per cent of Karnataka’s population. As per the data, SCs, STs, Muslims and Kurubas together form 47.5 per cent of the total population, making it the strongest combination. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits) group would be the most formidable one in the state, forcing Lingayats and Vokkaligas to play second fiddle to them. The revelations of the survey punched holes in the earlier claims of Lingayats and Vokkaligas that their communities are the majority in the state. Since Independence, Lingayats and Vokkaligas have been controlling the levers of power, claiming to be the ‘top communities’ in the state. The two castes have always accounted for 50 per cent of the MP and MLA seats from the state, irrespective of the party in power. Nevertheless, about 80 percent of the 6.5 crore population of Karnataka belongs to Minorities, OBCs, SCs and STs. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah belongs to the backward caste Kurubas, who popularly proclaims himself to be following socio-political philosophy ‘Ahinda’ (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits). Among the crucial election promises of Congress party in the state is to enhance the reservation quota for SCs, STs and OBCs from 50 per cent to 70 per cent, thus wooing voters from minority and vulnerable communities seem to be Congress line of approach. Siddaramaiah-led Congress government recently accepted an expert committee’s recommendation, and accorded the status of a religion (a minority one) to the Lingayat sect, until now considered a part of Hinduism. The move, which analysts see as an astute political move and opponents as an opportunistic one with an eye on the forthcoming state elections in Karnataka, acknowledges an almost four-decade-long demand by the Lingayats. Lingayats currently have 5 per cent reservation and are classified as an Other Backward Class. BS Yeddyurappa, BJP state president and party’s chief ministerial candidate belongs to Lingayat community, the dominant caste in the state. Despite corruption charges, BJP made him the chief ministerial candidate as his support base among the Lingayat voters remains intact. The BJP, which has largely been seen as a ‘Lingayat’ party has failed to win the support of the Vokkaliga community. But with former Congressman SM Krishna joining the BJP, the party is trying to win the Vokkaliga votes and make inroads into the Old Mysore region. On the other hand, JD(S) had earlier announced that its CM candidate as HD Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, belongs to Vokkaligas, another dominant caste in the state. On 8 February, JD(S) had officially forged an alliance with Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) for the upcoming elections. Therefore hoping support from upper caste Vokkaligas and Dalits.

Karnataka elections: Caste arithmetic explained

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today.

Cash amounting to over Rs 67.27 crore, over five lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 23.36 crore, gold valued at 43.17 crore and other items such as pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles, among others, worth about Rs 18.57 crore, have been seized, he said.

The official said Rs 32.54 crore in cash, out of the total seizures of Rs 152.78 crore, has been released after verification.

The figure also includes seized narcotics worth more than Rs 39.80 lakh, according to official data since the declaration of the elections for the Karnataka Assembly.

The seizures have been made by various surveillance, police and Income Tax department teams that have been deployed in the state by the poll panel to check the use of black money and illegal inducements, the official said.

The state will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 15.&nbsp;

The authorities also seized pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today. Cash amounting to over Rs 67.27 crore, over five lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 23.36 crore, gold valued at 43.17 crore and other items such as pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles, among others, worth about Rs 18.57 crore, have been seized, he said. The official said Rs 32.54 crore in cash, out of the total seizures of Rs 152.78 crore, has been released after verification. The figure also includes seized narcotics worth more than Rs 39.80 lakh, according to official data since the declaration of the elections for the Karnataka Assembly. The seizures have been made by various surveillance, police and Income Tax department teams that have been deployed in the state by the poll panel to check the use of black money and illegal inducements, the official said. The state will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 15.

Ahead of Karnataka polls, authorities seize cash, articles worth Rs 120 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) pretend to fight each other but are actually in "tacit alliance".

Addressing his first of the four rallies of the day here, Prime Minister Modi said the H.D. Deve Gowda-led party is working towards saving the Congress in Karnataka.

"People of Karnataka need to know the tacit alliance between Congress and JD(S)...they pretend to fight as opponents in Karnataka, but, in Bengaluru, the JD(S) supported a Congress mayor, who is sitting in the office. What is the deal between these two parties," the Prime Minister said here.

Further intensifying his attack on the ruling party in the state, the prime minister said for years the Congress kept on reiterating "Gareeb, Gareeb, Gareeb" but nothing came out of their 'rhetoric'.

He said the Congress has only made empty promises to the farmers, however, in reality, their "negligence towards the agriculture sector is very well known".

"I wish they were serious about the welfare of the farmers," he added.

Questioning the Rahul Gandhi-led party, Prime Minister said the former never did anything to solve the problem of water in Tumakuru.

"Why are the people of Tumakuru not getting water from the Hemavati River? The Congress government lacks concern for the farmers," Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi said his government has worked on irrigation projects on which no work had happened for 30 years.

He said the Centre is also mulling on ways to increase coconut exports, which was never thought about by the Congress.

"Resources have been allocated for Tumakuru's development under Smart Cities project. These resources are aimed at transforming Tumakuru but the state government prefers to loot money rather than work for people's welfare," Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Modi added that he has initiated a full-fledged battle against corruption and black money and will not tolerate any corrupt practices.

Questioning the Rahul Gandhi-led party, Prime Minister said the former never did anything to solve the problem of water in Tumakuru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) pretend to fight each other but are actually in "tacit alliance". Addressing his first of the four rallies of the day here, Prime Minister Modi said the H.D. Deve Gowda-led party is working towards saving the Congress in Karnataka. "People of Karnataka need to know the tacit alliance between Congress and JD(S)...they pretend to fight as opponents in Karnataka, but, in Bengaluru, the JD(S) supported a Congress mayor, who is sitting in the office. What is the deal between these two parties," the Prime Minister said here. Further intensifying his attack on the ruling party in the state, the prime minister said for years the Congress kept on reiterating "Gareeb, Gareeb, Gareeb" but nothing came out of their 'rhetoric'. He said the Congress has only made empty promises to the farmers, however, in reality, their "negligence towards the agriculture sector is very well known". "I wish they were serious about the welfare of the farmers," he added. Questioning the Rahul Gandhi-led party, Prime Minister said the former never did anything to solve the problem of water in Tumakuru. "Why are the people of Tumakuru not getting water from the Hemavati River? The Congress government lacks concern for the farmers," Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Modi said his government has worked on irrigation projects on which no work had happened for 30 years. He said the Centre is also mulling on ways to increase coconut exports, which was never thought about by the Congress. "Resources have been allocated for Tumakuru's development under Smart Cities project. These resources are aimed at transforming Tumakuru but the state government prefers to loot money rather than work for people's welfare," Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi added that he has initiated a full-fledged battle against corruption and black money and will not tolerate any corrupt practices.

Congress, JD(S) pretend to fight each other but are in 'tacit alliance': PM Modi

With 2019 Lok Sabha elections just a year away, the countdown has already begun for the big two parties - BJP and Congress. Karnataka is the first major assembly elections this year for both to test the waters.

While BJP is upbeat after its success in the assembly elections in the Northeast earlier this year, Congress will be looking to hold its ground where it is still ruling.

Here is a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the key parties in fray. Let's start with the ruling party, Congress.

Strength 1: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

The incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is one of the biggest strengths of the party. In the last 40 years, he is the only chief minister who has been able to complete a full term in office. He joined Congress in 2006 after his expulsion from JD(S). Once considered an outsider in the party, Siddaramaiah has not only become almost indispensable for Congress in the state, but also one of its biggest regional leaders across the country.

Strength 2: Populist schemes

The Siddaramaiah government has taken several populist measures in the last few years. Apart from freebies like rice and milk to poor, the state government also offered laptops to SC/ST students and cash payments to women from minority communities. Siddaramaiah had also set up Indira canteens in the capital Bengaluru, something in line with the Amma canteens in Tamil Nadu. It offers food to the needy at subsidised rates.

Strength 3: The Lingayat strategy

The Lingayat community comprises a major chunk of BJP's vote base in Karnataka. Its chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa is one of the prominent leaders from the community. Ahead of the elections, the Siddaramaiah government approved the community's demand for a separate religious status. This could snatch away a good chunk of votes away from BJP.

While the party has a few strengths, there are certain factors that it needs to worry about too:

Weakness 1: Farmers' distress

More than 3,500 farmers have committed suicide in the state since Congress came to power in 2013. Most of these incidents happened due to two successive droughts. With rural seats constituting almost two-third of entire state, agrarian crisis will be one of the major poll issues that could haunt Congress. Though the Siddaramaiah government announced several measures like farm loan waivers, guaranteed income and cheap loans for farmers, it remains to be seen if they are enough to cut ice.

Weakness 2: Law and order

Two high profile murders in Karnataka rocked the nation. And both happened during Siddaramaiah's tenure. The murders of rationalist MM Kalburgi and journalist Gauri Lankesh became the subject of a raging debate across the country. BJP is also likely to raise the killing of pro-Hindu activists in the state during the election campaigns.

Weakness 3: Internal rift

Lack of coordination between the party and Siddaramaiah government could hurt Congress's prospects. The rift between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state Congress President G Parameswara became evident when the two leaders planned separate state-wide rallies in December without keeping each other in the loop. The party has also not been able to promote some of the welfare schemes initiated by the government.

Now let's focus on the BJP. The party is hoping to make a comeback in the state under the leadership of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, and is doing all it can to realise its dream. Let's have a look at some of its strengths and weaknesses.

Strength 1: B S Yeddyurappa

The former chief minister is easily the tallest leader for BJP in Karnataka. After briefly breaking away from the party, he has returned to boost BJP's chances in this southern state.

Strength 2: Lingayat community

He also represents the Lingayat community which has 15-17 per cent vote share in the state. It is likely to back Yeddyurappa because he is projected as the chief ministerial candidate.

Strength 3: Modi-Shah combine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaigns and party chief Amit Shah's poll strategies have won BJP several states since it came to power in the Centre in 2014. Earlier this year, the party managed to gain further inroads in the northeast states by winning two out of three states, either on its own, or with shrewd selection of allies.

However, there are some factors that could dent BJP's chances in the elections:

Weakness 1: B S Yeddyurappa

While Yeddyurappa remains a strong factor for BJP in the state, he could still be a reason for its failure in the forthcoming polls because of his image. He was accused of corruption and was sent to jail before being acquitted. While BJP is busy highlighting corruption under Siddaramaiah, Congress will counter that with Yeddyurappa's track record.

Weakness 2: Factionalism

Difference between two key leaders - Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa - remains a sore point for the BJP ahead of the elections. BJP chief Amit Shah tried to resolve the rift by taking strong actions against some of the office bearers belonging to the two factions. But it has not eased the tension between the two leaders.

Weakness 3: Hindutva agenda vs Kannada pride

Anti-Hindi sentiment or move to introduce separate flag for Karnataka are some of the strategies adopted by Congress to take on BJP's agenda in the state. Karnataka's move to keep Hindi out could unify the southern states, which have resisted BJP's plan to make Hindi the official language of the country.

There is also a third party who can be a gamechanger in Karnataka. However, no one is willing to stick the neck out and bet for Janata Dal (Secular) to win the election all by itself. Despite being the only regional party that could impact the assembly polls in Karnataka, pundits feel JD(S) is only worth a kingmaker's role in case of a hung verdict.

Here is what could be working for the party:

Strength 1: HD Kumaraswamy

He is easily the tallest leader JD(S) has right now to put up a challenge to the two national parties. The former chief minister is known to be an able administrator and has influence among the working class. He has been touring the state wooing farmers and promising loan waivers amid agrarian crisis.

Strength 2: Vokkaligas

This is one of the major vote bank for the party. With the community's strong backing, JD(S) had won 40 seats with a vote share of more than 20 per cent in the 2013 elections. While it may have lost some of its influence, it can still expect a strong backing from this community to enhance its chances, especially in the old Mysuru region.

Strength 3: Strategic alliances

The JD(S)'s alliance with BSP may help the party attract votes from the Dalit population in Karnataka. It is also trying to use actor Pavan Kalyan's popularity to attract young voters and consolidate its position.

But all these may not be enough, because JD(S) has more glaring weaknesses too.

Weakness 1: Lack of leaders

Apart from the father-son duo of HD Deve Gowda and HD Kumaraswamy, the party doesn't have a strong second line of leadership with a mass appeal. As many as seven of its legislators have deserted leaving the party in a vacuum.

Weakness 2: Limited influence

The JD(S) has its influence only in some of parts of Karnataka. Unlike BJP or Congress it does not have a pan-Karnataka presence. The party doesn't have leaders who can attract votes in the crucial north and coastal Karnataka. While it can hurt the prospects of the bigger parties by cutting into their votebanks, it doesn't stand a chance to win the elections on its own.

Weakness 3: Lack of funds

Limited resources will affect the party's chance in the elections. The candidates do not have enough funds for campaigning. It will be difficult for the party to match either BJP or Congress when it comes to grand political rallies to reach the mass. And this could also affect the morale of the party workers on ground.

But just like cricket, elections in India are also a game of uncertainty. It's never over, until the last vote is counted. We will have to wait and see who has the last laugh on May 15.

While BJP is upbeat after its success in the assembly elections in the Northeast earlier this year, Congress will be looking to hold its ground where it is still ruling.

With 2019 Lok Sabha elections just a year away, the countdown has already begun for the big two parties - BJP and Congress. Karnataka is the first major assembly elections this year for both to test the waters. While BJP is upbeat after its success in the assembly elections in the Northeast earlier this year, Congress will be looking to hold its ground where it is still ruling. Here is a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the key parties in fray. Let's start with the ruling party, Congress. Strength 1: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah The incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is one of the biggest strengths of the party. In the last 40 years, he is the only chief minister who has been able to complete a full term in office. He joined Congress in 2006 after his expulsion from JD(S). Once considered an outsider in the party, Siddaramaiah has not only become almost indispensable for Congress in the state, but also one of its biggest regional leaders across the country. Strength 2: Populist schemes The Siddaramaiah government has taken several populist measures in the last few years. Apart from freebies like rice and milk to poor, the state government also offered laptops to SC/ST students and cash payments to women from minority communities. Siddaramaiah had also set up Indira canteens in the capital Bengaluru, something in line with the Amma canteens in Tamil Nadu. It offers food to the needy at subsidised rates. Strength 3: The Lingayat strategy The Lingayat community comprises a major chunk of BJP's vote base in Karnataka. Its chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa is one of the prominent leaders from the community. Ahead of the elections, the Siddaramaiah government approved the community's demand for a separate religious status. This could snatch away a good chunk of votes away from BJP. While the party has a few strengths, there are certain factors that it needs to worry about too: Weakness 1: Farmers' distress More than 3,500 farmers have committed suicide in the state since Congress came to power in 2013. Most of these incidents happened due to two successive droughts. With rural seats constituting almost two-third of entire state, agrarian crisis will be one of the major poll issues that could haunt Congress. Though the Siddaramaiah government announced several measures like farm loan waivers, guaranteed income and cheap loans for farmers, it remains to be seen if they are enough to cut ice. Weakness 2: Law and order Two high profile murders in Karnataka rocked the nation. And both happened during Siddaramaiah's tenure. The murders of rationalist MM Kalburgi and journalist Gauri Lankesh became the subject of a raging debate across the country. BJP is also likely to raise the killing of pro-Hindu activists in the state during the election campaigns. Weakness 3: Internal rift Lack of coordination between the party and Siddaramaiah government could hurt Congress's prospects. The rift between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state Congress President G Parameswara became evident when the two leaders planned separate state-wide rallies in December without keeping each other in the loop. The party has also not been able to promote some of the welfare schemes initiated by the government. Now let's focus on the BJP. The party is hoping to make a comeback in the state under the leadership of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, and is doing all it can to realise its dream. Let's have a look at some of its strengths and weaknesses. Strength 1: B S Yeddyurappa The former chief minister is easily the tallest leader for BJP in Karnataka. After briefly breaking away from the party, he has returned to boost BJP's chances in this southern state. Strength 2: Lingayat community He also represents the Lingayat community which has 15-17 per cent vote share in the state. It is likely to back Yeddyurappa because he is projected as the chief ministerial candidate. Strength 3: Modi-Shah combine Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaigns and party chief Amit Shah's poll strategies have won BJP several states since it came to power in the Centre in 2014. Earlier this year, the party managed to gain further inroads in the northeast states by winning two out of three states, either on its own, or with shrewd selection of allies. However, there are some factors that could dent BJP's chances in the elections: Weakness 1: B S Yeddyurappa While Yeddyurappa remains a strong factor for BJP in the state, he could still be a reason for its failure in the forthcoming polls because of his image. He was accused of corruption and was sent to jail before being acquitted. While BJP is busy highlighting corruption under Siddaramaiah, Congress will counter that with Yeddyurappa's track record. Weakness 2: Factionalism Difference between two key leaders - Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa - remains a sore point for the BJP ahead of the elections. BJP chief Amit Shah tried to resolve the rift by taking strong actions against some of the office bearers belonging to the two factions. But it has not eased the tension between the two leaders. Weakness 3: Hindutva agenda vs Kannada pride Anti-Hindi sentiment or move to introduce separate flag for Karnataka are some of the strategies adopted by Congress to take on BJP's agenda in the state. Karnataka's move to keep Hindi out could unify the southern states, which have resisted BJP's plan to make Hindi the official language of the country. There is also a third party who can be a gamechanger in Karnataka. However, no one is willing to stick the neck out and bet for Janata Dal (Secular) to win the election all by itself. Despite being the only regional party that could impact the assembly polls in Karnataka, pundits feel JD(S) is only worth a kingmaker's role in case of a hung verdict. Here is what could be working for the party: Strength 1: HD Kumaraswamy He is easily the tallest leader JD(S) has right now to put up a challenge to the two national parties. The former chief minister is known to be an able administrator and has influence among the working class. He has been touring the state wooing farmers and promising loan waivers amid agrarian crisis. Strength 2: Vokkaligas This is one of the major vote bank for the party. With the community's strong backing, JD(S) had won 40 seats with a vote share of more than 20 per cent in the 2013 elections. While it may have lost some of its influence, it can still expect a strong backing from this community to enhance its chances, especially in the old Mysuru region. Strength 3: Strategic alliances The JD(S)'s alliance with BSP may help the party attract votes from the Dalit population in Karnataka. It is also trying to use actor Pavan Kalyan's popularity to attract young voters and consolidate its position. But all these may not be enough, because JD(S) has more glaring weaknesses too. Weakness 1: Lack of leaders Apart from the father-son duo of HD Deve Gowda and HD Kumaraswamy, the party doesn't have a strong second line of leadership with a mass appeal. As many as seven of its legislators have deserted leaving the party in a vacuum. Weakness 2: Limited influence The JD(S) has its influence only in some of parts of Karnataka. Unlike BJP or Congress it does not have a pan-Karnataka presence. The party doesn't have leaders who can attract votes in the crucial north and coastal Karnataka. While it can hurt the prospects of the bigger parties by cutting into their votebanks, it doesn't stand a chance to win the elections on its own. Weakness 3: Lack of funds Limited resources will affect the party's chance in the elections. The candidates do not have enough funds for campaigning. It will be difficult for the party to match either BJP or Congress when it comes to grand political rallies to reach the mass. And this could also affect the morale of the party workers on ground. But just like cricket, elections in India are also a game of uncertainty. It's never over, until the last vote is counted. We will have to wait and see who has the last laugh on May 15.

Karnataka elections: Strengths and weaknesses of key parties

The BJP released its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-gives-women-equal-opportunity-highlights-from-pm-modis-address-to-karnataka-bjps-women-workers-134522"> manifesto for the Karnataka </a>elections today targetting farmers and women.

The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs. The BJP vision statement said 1,000 farmers to be taken to Isreal for Agricultural scholarships.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-key-parties-134561">Karnataka elections: Strengths and weaknesses of key parties</a>

Announcing the manifesto release, former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa said: "Welfare of farmers has always been our priority," adding,"we will allocate Rs 1,50,000 crore for various irrigation projects in Karnataka and ensure water reaches to every field in the state."

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Bengaluru: BJP's CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar & other leaders launch the party's manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/LLCxlB3CTm">pic.twitter.com/LLCxlB3CTm</a>
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The party has also decided to waive off loans&nbsp;upto 1 lakh for farmers if it comes to power in the state.

The manifesto promised "free smartphones" for women in below poverty line(BPL) families including Rs 25,000 gold and mangalasutra.

The party said it will set up 10,000 crore Stree Unnati&nbsp;(Women Development) Fund, one of the largest women run cooperatives, and will also establish Stree Unnati stores to market products.

The BJP also said it would open Annapurna canteens across the state where subsidized food will be served.

The manifesto said the BJP will develop 6 incubators and co-working spaces for startups in Hubballi, Bengaluru, Raichur, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Kalaburgi

Raitha Bandhu Department to be set up under the CMO to monitor implementation of schemes, the BJP announced.

The party also proposed Rs 5.000 crore Raitha Bandhu Market Intervention Fund to be set up to insulate farmers and will launch Mukhya Mantri Raitha Suraksha Vime Yojana to provide accidental insurance cover of upto&nbsp;Rs 2 lakh

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pCpfcD2UOT0" width="560"></iframe>

The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs.

The BJP released its manifesto for the Karnataka elections today targetting farmers and women. The manifesto promised 1 per cent loans upto 1 lakh for women entrepreneurs. The BJP vision statement said 1,000 farmers to be taken to Isreal for Agricultural scholarships. Karnataka elections: Strengths and weaknesses of key parties Announcing the manifesto release, former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa said: "Welfare of farmers has always been our priority," adding,"we will allocate Rs 1,50,000 crore for various irrigation projects in Karnataka and ensure water reaches to every field in the state." Bengaluru: BJP's CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar & other leaders launch the party's manifesto for #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/LLCxlB3CTm — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2018 × The party has also decided to waive off loans upto 1 lakh for farmers if it comes to power in the state. The manifesto promised "free smartphones" for women in below poverty line(BPL) families including Rs 25,000 gold and mangalasutra. The party said it will set up 10,000 crore Stree Unnati (Women Development) Fund, one of the largest women run cooperatives, and will also establish Stree Unnati stores to market products. The BJP also said it would open Annapurna canteens across the state where subsidized food will be served. The manifesto said the BJP will develop 6 incubators and co-working spaces for startups in Hubballi, Bengaluru, Raichur, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Kalaburgi Raitha Bandhu Department to be set up under the CMO to monitor implementation of schemes, the BJP announced. The party also proposed Rs 5.000 crore Raitha Bandhu Market Intervention Fund to be set up to insulate farmers and will launch Mukhya Mantri Raitha Suraksha Vime Yojana to provide accidental insurance cover of upto Rs 2 lakh

BJP releases Karnataka election manifesto, targets women & farmers

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Karnataka's Jayanagar constituency BN Vijayakumar passed away on Friday morning after suffering from a massive cardiac arrest.

Vijayakumar was one of the most popular faces in Karnataka. He was two time MLA from Jayanagar constituency and was nominated from the same place for the upcoming assembly elections.

The 60-year-old MLA was on a door-to-door campaign in Pattabhiramanagar area of his constituency when the incident took place. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but the doctors were not able to save him.

Vijayakumar was one of the most popular faces in Karnataka.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Karnataka's Jayanagar constituency BN Vijayakumar passed away on Friday morning after suffering from a massive cardiac arrest. Vijayakumar was one of the most popular faces in Karnataka. He was two time MLA from Jayanagar constituency and was nominated from the same place for the upcoming assembly elections. The 60-year-old MLA was on a door-to-door campaign in Pattabhiramanagar area of his constituency when the incident took place. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but the doctors were not able to save him.

Karnataka BJP MLA Vijayakumar dies during campaigning

As the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-votes-pm-modis-open-dare-to-rahul-challenges-congress-on-their-achievements-134100">battle between&nbsp;Congress and the BJP</a> continues ahead of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-an-existential-battle-for-congress-134207">Karnataka elections</a>, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday released a Report Card awarding "F" grade to&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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In his report&nbsp;card to PM Modi, Gandhi&nbsp;mentions that&nbsp;the prime minister has made&nbsp;"0" contribution&nbsp;towards the&nbsp;state's&nbsp;agriculture and&nbsp;farmers'.

The report card states that the Centre has not made any contribution to the state's government's 8,500 crore farm loan waiver scheme.&nbsp;

It further states that the farmers continue to suffer despite the Prime Minister's crop insurance scheme. It also mentioned that the scheme is benefitting the insurance companies which are making huge profits.

Rahul Gandhi's report card to PM Modi also says that the government does not provide any Minimum Support Price to the farmers.

Gandhi's attack on PM Modi has come a day after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-poll-pitch-modi-addresses-farmers-on-namo-app-134125">Prime Minister addressed the farmers in the state via the Namo App</a>. In his address to the farmers,' the PM targetted the state government led by Siddaramaiah and claimed that the current government does not care about farmers.

Pitching Yeddyurappa&nbsp;as a possible chief ministerial candidate, the PM said&nbsp;Yeddyurappa is farmers' minister.

He further talked about empowering farmers' and doubling the farmers income by 2022.

Referring to the Budget he said he also called the BJP as pro-farmer.&nbsp;

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Mr Modi’s Report Card 
 
State: Karnataka 
Sub: Agriculture 
 
1. Contribution to Cong State Govts 8,500 Cr Farm Loan waiver = 0 Rs 
 
2. PM’s crop insurance scheme: Farmers suffer pvt insurance companies make huge profits. 
 
3. No MSP+50%, for Karnataka farmers. 
 
Grade = F <a href="https://t.co/SLJBE4cXWC">pic.twitter.com/SLJBE4cXWC</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/991879859151360000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In his report card to PM Modi, Gandhi mentions that the prime minister has made '0' contribution towards the state's agriculture and farmers'

As the battle between Congress and the BJP continues ahead of the Karnataka elections, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday released a Report Card awarding "F" grade to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. × In his report card to PM Modi, Gandhi mentions that the prime minister has made "0" contribution towards the state's agriculture and farmers'. The report card states that the Centre has not made any contribution to the state's government's 8,500 crore farm loan waiver scheme. It further states that the farmers continue to suffer despite the Prime Minister's crop insurance scheme. It also mentioned that the scheme is benefitting the insurance companies which are making huge profits. Rahul Gandhi's report card to PM Modi also says that the government does not provide any Minimum Support Price to the farmers. Gandhi's attack on PM Modi has come a day after the Prime Minister addressed the farmers in the state via the Namo App. In his address to the farmers,' the PM targetted the state government led by Siddaramaiah and claimed that the current government does not care about farmers. Pitching Yeddyurappa as a possible chief ministerial candidate, the PM said Yeddyurappa is farmers' minister. He further talked about empowering farmers' and doubling the farmers income by 2022. Referring to the Budget he said he also called the BJP as pro-farmer. Mr Modi’s Report Card State: Karnataka Sub: Agriculture 1. Contribution to Cong State Govts 8,500 Cr Farm Loan waiver = 0 Rs 2. PM’s crop insurance scheme: Farmers suffer pvt insurance companies make huge profits. 3. No MSP+50%, for Karnataka farmers. Grade = F pic.twitter.com/SLJBE4cXWC — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 3, 2018 ×

Karnataka elections: Rahul Gandhi awards 'F' grade to PM Modi over farmers' issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing three rallies in Karnataka's Kalaburagi, Ballari and Bengaluru today.

He will be addressing a public meeting at Kalaburagi at 12:30 pm at Navodaya Vidyalaya Ground. This will be followed by a public meeting at Ballari at 3 pm at Ballari District Stadium and Public meeting at Bengaluru at 5:30 pm.

PM Modi&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-join-karnataka-poll-battle-today-set-to-address-rallies-133889">began his election campaign in the state on May 1</a> by addressing three rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi.

A day after kicking off the campaigning in the state, PM Modi also&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-poll-pitch-modi-addresses-farmers-on-namo-app-134125">addressed the farmers in Karnataka via the Namo App</a>.

The prime minister is scheduled to&nbsp;address a total of 21&nbsp;rallies in the state for the party's election campaigning.

The Karnataka polls are due to be held on May 12.&nbsp;

The results of the elections will be announced on May 15&nbsp;for the 225-member state assembly.

The polls will see a heated battle&nbsp;between the ruling Congress and the BJP with the JD(U) determined to play the role of a "kingmaker".

&nbsp;

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PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> will address public rallies in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, Ballari and Bengaluru today. Watch LIVE at <a href="https://t.co/vpP0MInUi4">https://t.co/vpP0MInUi4</a>. Listen LIVE speech by dialing 9345014501. <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Karnataka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaavuModiJothe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaavuModiJothe</a> <a href="https://t.co/4s2WJrR5e6">pic.twitter.com/4s2WJrR5e6</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/991851400631128064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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He began his election campaign in the state on May 1 by addressing three rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing three rallies in Karnataka's Kalaburagi, Ballari and Bengaluru today. He will be addressing a public meeting at Kalaburagi at 12:30 pm at Navodaya Vidyalaya Ground. This will be followed by a public meeting at Ballari at 3 pm at Ballari District Stadium and Public meeting at Bengaluru at 5:30 pm. PM Modi began his election campaign in the state on May 1 by addressing three rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi. A day after kicking off the campaigning in the state, PM Modi also addressed the farmers in Karnataka via the Namo App. The prime minister is scheduled to address a total of 21 rallies in the state for the party's election campaigning. The Karnataka polls are due to be held on May 12. The results of the elections will be announced on May 15 for the 225-member state assembly. The polls will see a heated battle between the ruling Congress and the BJP with the JD(U) determined to play the role of a "kingmaker". PM Shri @narendramodi will address public rallies in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, Ballari and Bengaluru today. Watch LIVE at https://t.co/vpP0MInUi4. Listen LIVE speech by dialing 9345014501. @BJP4Karnataka #NaavuModiJothe pic.twitter.com/4s2WJrR5e6 — BJP (@BJP4India) May 3, 2018 ×

PM Modi's second day of election campaigning in Karnataka, will address three rallies today

Ahead of May 12 Assembly polls, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has projected himself as "champion of regional sentiment".

Even before launching his party's campaign, the CM has been pushing the Kannadiga identity agenda through a state flag, fighting the imposition of Hindi and opposing the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission that are “unfair” to southern states such as Karnataka.

However, unlike some neighbouring southern states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana, no party has come to power in Karnataka riding on the "linguistic" or regional identity in the past but now, the chief minister, who is from a national party, is leaving no stone unturned to reiterate the state's linguistic identity and federalism.

"My identity as a proud Kannadiga is not inconsistent with my identity as a proud Indian. Taking pride in Kannada identity doesn't make Kannadigas any less Indian," Siddaramaiah wrote in a lengthy Facebook post on March 15th.

The Karnataka CM also attacked the BJP's Karnataka unit and said that the state unit of the national party lacked leadership and therefore relied on "North Indian imports" for the May 12th election campaign.

Siddaramaiah also said BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa had been reduced to a "dummy."

"@BJP4Karnataka by waiting for North Indian imports like PM Modi, UPCM Adityanath is admitting they have no leaders in the state. They have reduced their CM face @BSYBJP to a dummy," Siddaramaiah tweeted.

BJP countered this argument by saying it showed Siddaramaiah’s desperation to attack him but he had chosen a frivolous, flippant and totally irrelevant way.

Some feel that incumbent CM's inclination to whip-up Kannadiga pride will only resonate with the urban voters. However, it would have a very little impact in the coastal region where the "Hindutva" plank may decide the election outcome.

As election day approaches, the Congress through its president Rahul Gandhi's temple hopping is seeking to counter Hindutva by positioning itself as a "soft Hindutva" party as opposed to the BJP’s communal image. Siddaramaiah has repeatedly countered BJP’s efforts to portray him as anti-Hindu by saying that he was a "true Hindu" - after all, his name is "Sidda-Rama".

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who began the first of his series of public rallies in the state at Santhemarahalli on Tuesday, paid rich tributes to Kannada thespian Dr. Rajkumar and poet GP Rajarathnam, who were natives of the region, in his bid to strike an emotional connect with the voters.

Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have also started tweeting in Kannada and visited memorials of several Kannada poets.

Siddaramaiah, who started his political career as the head of the Kannada Kavalu Samiti (Kannada Surveillance Committee) in the 1980s and is now projecting himself as a champion of Kannada pride, says the regional sentiment only helps build a strong India but will the Congress leader’s strategy to ride on the Kannada pride help him to get re-elected in a state where an&nbsp;incumbent&nbsp;has not been voted back to&nbsp;power since 1985. That will be decided on May 14 when the counting of the votes takes place.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Some feel that incumbent CM's inclination to whip-up Kannadiga pride will only resonate with the urban voters.

Ahead of May 12 Assembly polls, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has projected himself as "champion of regional sentiment". Even before launching his party's campaign, the CM has been pushing the Kannadiga identity agenda through a state flag, fighting the imposition of Hindi and opposing the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission that are “unfair” to southern states such as Karnataka. However, unlike some neighbouring southern states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana, no party has come to power in Karnataka riding on the "linguistic" or regional identity in the past but now, the chief minister, who is from a national party, is leaving no stone unturned to reiterate the state's linguistic identity and federalism. "My identity as a proud Kannadiga is not inconsistent with my identity as a proud Indian. Taking pride in Kannada identity doesn't make Kannadigas any less Indian," Siddaramaiah wrote in a lengthy Facebook post on March 15th. The Karnataka CM also attacked the BJP's Karnataka unit and said that the state unit of the national party lacked leadership and therefore relied on "North Indian imports" for the May 12th election campaign. Siddaramaiah also said BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa had been reduced to a "dummy." "@BJP4Karnataka by waiting for North Indian imports like PM Modi, UPCM Adityanath is admitting they have no leaders in the state. They have reduced their CM face @BSYBJP to a dummy," Siddaramaiah tweeted. BJP countered this argument by saying it showed Siddaramaiah’s desperation to attack him but he had chosen a frivolous, flippant and totally irrelevant way. Some feel that incumbent CM's inclination to whip-up Kannadiga pride will only resonate with the urban voters. However, it would have a very little impact in the coastal region where the "Hindutva" plank may decide the election outcome. As election day approaches, the Congress through its president Rahul Gandhi's temple hopping is seeking to counter Hindutva by positioning itself as a "soft Hindutva" party as opposed to the BJP’s communal image. Siddaramaiah has repeatedly countered BJP’s efforts to portray him as anti-Hindu by saying that he was a "true Hindu" - after all, his name is "Sidda-Rama". Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who began the first of his series of public rallies in the state at Santhemarahalli on Tuesday, paid rich tributes to Kannada thespian Dr. Rajkumar and poet GP Rajarathnam, who were natives of the region, in his bid to strike an emotional connect with the voters. Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have also started tweeting in Kannada and visited memorials of several Kannada poets. Siddaramaiah, who started his political career as the head of the Kannada Kavalu Samiti (Kannada Surveillance Committee) in the 1980s and is now projecting himself as a champion of Kannada pride, says the regional sentiment only helps build a strong India but will the Congress leader’s strategy to ride on the Kannada pride help him to get re-elected in a state where an incumbent has not been voted back to power since 1985. That will be decided on May 14 when the counting of the votes takes place. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Siddaramaiah's 'pride of Kannadigas' plank a master ploy or 'flawed' parochial approach?

Prime Minister Modi while addressing a rally on Tuesday had attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi for insulting JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda.

Responding to the charges levied by the prime minister on Rahul, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma denied any such behaviour by Gandhi.

He said, "There was no disrespect ever towards Deve Gowda by Rahul Gandhi...It is not the Congress' culture to insult. When Deve Gowda Ji was prime minister, his government had full support of the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi has not said anything derogatory about Shri Deve Gowda".

Hitting back at PM Modi, he also asked the prime minister to apologise for repeatedly insulting former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

He also added that Gowda had in the run-up to 2014 elections said he would take 'political sanyas' if Modi became the prime minister.

On&nbsp;this, the JD(S) chief said he is continuing as the Lok Sabha member only because of Modi's persuasion skills.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-polls-let-congress-come-with-workable-proposal-says-deve-gowda-on-alliance---126800">JD(S) chief and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda</a> has also clarified that his party will not go into any <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-no-post-poll-alliance-with-jds-confirms-siddaramaiah--132387">alliance</a> with BJP ahead of the Karnataka polls.

His remarks came in response to PM Modi's appreciation to Deve Gowda at a rally on Tuesday.

Deve Gowda also said that he would disown his son HD Kumaraswamy if he backs the BJP in the assembly election. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Congress leader said 'There was no disrespect ever towards Deve Gowda by Rahul Gandhi...It is not the Congress' culture to insult. When Deve Gowda Ji was prime minister, his government had full support of the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi has not said anything derogatory about Shri Deve Gowda'

Prime Minister Modi while addressing a rally on Tuesday had attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi for insulting JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda. Responding to the charges levied by the prime minister on Rahul, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma denied any such behaviour by Gandhi. He said, "There was no disrespect ever towards Deve Gowda by Rahul Gandhi...It is not the Congress' culture to insult. When Deve Gowda Ji was prime minister, his government had full support of the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi has not said anything derogatory about Shri Deve Gowda". Hitting back at PM Modi, he also asked the prime minister to apologise for repeatedly insulting former prime minister Manmohan Singh. He also added that Gowda had in the run-up to 2014 elections said he would take 'political sanyas' if Modi became the prime minister. On this, the JD(S) chief said he is continuing as the Lok Sabha member only because of Modi's persuasion skills. JD(S) chief and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda has also clarified that his party will not go into any alliance with BJP ahead of the Karnataka polls. His remarks came in response to PM Modi's appreciation to Deve Gowda at a rally on Tuesday. Deve Gowda also said that he would disown his son HD Kumaraswamy if he backs the BJP in the assembly election.

Rahul never disrespected Gowda: Congress denies PM Modi's charges

A day after opening his Karnataka election campaign, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-without-power-is-like-fish-out-of-water-pm-narendra-modi-134069">PM Narendra Modi today</a> addressed the farmers in the state via the Namo App.

"The current government does not care about farmers," he said during the live streaming.

Pitching Yeddyurappa&nbsp;as a possible chief ministrial candidate, the PM said&nbsp;Yeddyurappa is farmers' minister.

During the live interaction with a moderator, the PM said: "We work for the betterment of farmers, adding,"farmers income will&nbsp;double in 2022."

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We have increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) for notified crops to at least 1.5 times that of the production cost : PM Modi while addressing Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of Karnataka. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/iEZ9ZTHojn">pic.twitter.com/iEZ9ZTHojn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/991529603884830720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"From sowing seeds to selling products, we are with farmers," the PM said.

"Coordination is must&nbsp;between farmers, nature and government,"&nbsp;he added. The prime minister said the government is ready to extend all help to farmers.

"Our aim is to empower farmers," PM Modi said during the interaction with the moderator.

On the recent Budget presented by the NDA government, the PM said: "BJP budget is&nbsp;pro-farmer, farmers always thrive under BJP."

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Due to the apathy of Karnataka govt, farmers in the state have not got the benefit of 'Fasal Bima Yojna'. A sensitive govt, which works for the development of farmers is needed in Karnataka: PM Modi while addressing Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of Karnataka. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/jyZErdJegY">pic.twitter.com/jyZErdJegY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/991524522502377472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The government allocated 11 lakh crore for farmers in the Budget,"&nbsp;he said.

"Around 1 crore soil health cards were issued in Karnataka," he added.

On Tuesday, PM Modi had addressed three election rallies in Karnataka in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi.&nbsp;

In his opening address at Senthemarahalli village in Chamarajanagar district, Modi had attacked the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government bringing up local issues like power and water supply.

The PM attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi challenging him to speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper.

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Modi had attacked the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government bringing up local issues like power and water supply.

A day after opening his Karnataka election campaign, PM Narendra Modi today addressed the farmers in the state via the Namo App. "The current government does not care about farmers," he said during the live streaming. Pitching Yeddyurappa as a possible chief ministrial candidate, the PM said Yeddyurappa is farmers' minister. During the live interaction with a moderator, the PM said: "We work for the betterment of farmers, adding,"farmers income will double in 2022." We have increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) for notified crops to at least 1.5 times that of the production cost : PM Modi while addressing Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of Karnataka. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/iEZ9ZTHojn — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2018 × "From sowing seeds to selling products, we are with farmers," the PM said. "Coordination is must between farmers, nature and government," he added. The prime minister said the government is ready to extend all help to farmers. "Our aim is to empower farmers," PM Modi said during the interaction with the moderator. On the recent Budget presented by the NDA government, the PM said: "BJP budget is pro-farmer, farmers always thrive under BJP." Due to the apathy of Karnataka govt, farmers in the state have not got the benefit of 'Fasal Bima Yojna'. A sensitive govt, which works for the development of farmers is needed in Karnataka: PM Modi while addressing Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of Karnataka. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/jyZErdJegY — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2018 × "The government allocated 11 lakh crore for farmers in the Budget," he said. "Around 1 crore soil health cards were issued in Karnataka," he added. On Tuesday, PM Modi had addressed three election rallies in Karnataka in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi. In his opening address at Senthemarahalli village in Chamarajanagar district, Modi had attacked the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government bringing up local issues like power and water supply. The PM attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi challenging him to speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper.

Karnataka poll pitch: Modi addresses farmers on Namo App

Karnataka, which is heading for polls on May 12, is the only big state which left with Congress.

Once a pan-India party, the Congress's presence in the country is now reduced to just three states (Punjab, Mizoram and Karnataka) and one Union Territory (Puducherry).

The first major jolt to the party came in the form of defeat at the hands of Narendra Modi-led BJP in the general elections in 2014. Since then, Congress has been experiencing a series of failures. After losing the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it has failed to stand against the might of Modi-Shah combine. The party lost electoral battles in Delhi, Assam, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tripura, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh etc.

The repeated loss of Congress has already put a question mark on the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. A loss again will translate into Rahul's inefficiency against the Modi-Shah might.

If the Congress is able to win the Assembly elections in Karnataka, the victory will certainly be attributed to current chief minister Siddaramaiah's strong reputation in the party. Siddaramaiah belongs to Kuruba (shepherd) caste but enjoys a status of a strong leader in the state. His name and political tenure has been out of any controversy. The various schemes and measures favouring Dalits and minorities that he introduced may also prove profitable to him.

The BJP contemplated the importance Siddaramaiah holds in the state politics as compared to its chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa and therefore fielded PM Modi and his "development agenda" against the fight with Congress.

A victory for the Congress in Karnataka will also decide the role that it will play in the potential grand alliance against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had hosted a dinner party for the leaders of 20 opposition parties at her Janpath residence on March 13. The party was apparently hosted to devise a collective plan to root out the BJP-led NDA in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The Congress said that the party meeting was called to promote "amity and friendship".

Quoting Tejashwi Yadav and Sharad Yadav, a news report said that the meeting was the first step towards a comprehensive alliance of the 2019 elections.

In a bid to win over the hearts (and the votes) of the people of Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is not leaving any stone unturned. He is also resorting to the Hindutva card.

Rahul visited around 25 temples in Gujarat during the election campaign in the state. Similar religious symbolism is seen in his recent visits to temples and dargahs in Karnataka.

Also, to woo the Lingayat community in the state, the Karnataka government granted minority status to them in March. Lingayats, the single largest community in Karnataka constitutes 17 per cent of the vote share and plays an important role in about 100 of the state's 224 seats.

A win in the state will also have a significant impact for Congress in the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The election in Karnataka is therefore seen as an existential battle for the Congress party which has almost vanished from the map of India.

The repeated loss of Congress has already put a question mark on the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

Karnataka, which is heading for polls on May 12, is the only big state which left with Congress. Once a pan-India party, the Congress's presence in the country is now reduced to just three states (Punjab, Mizoram and Karnataka) and one Union Territory (Puducherry). The first major jolt to the party came in the form of defeat at the hands of Narendra Modi-led BJP in the general elections in 2014. Since then, Congress has been experiencing a series of failures. After losing the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it has failed to stand against the might of Modi-Shah combine. The party lost electoral battles in Delhi, Assam, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tripura, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh etc. The repeated loss of Congress has already put a question mark on the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. A loss again will translate into Rahul's inefficiency against the Modi-Shah might. If the Congress is able to win the Assembly elections in Karnataka, the victory will certainly be attributed to current chief minister Siddaramaiah's strong reputation in the party. Siddaramaiah belongs to Kuruba (shepherd) caste but enjoys a status of a strong leader in the state. His name and political tenure has been out of any controversy. The various schemes and measures favouring Dalits and minorities that he introduced may also prove profitable to him. The BJP contemplated the importance Siddaramaiah holds in the state politics as compared to its chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa and therefore fielded PM Modi and his "development agenda" against the fight with Congress. A victory for the Congress in Karnataka will also decide the role that it will play in the potential grand alliance against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had hosted a dinner party for the leaders of 20 opposition parties at her Janpath residence on March 13. The party was apparently hosted to devise a collective plan to root out the BJP-led NDA in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The Congress said that the party meeting was called to promote "amity and friendship". Quoting Tejashwi Yadav and Sharad Yadav, a news report said that the meeting was the first step towards a comprehensive alliance of the 2019 elections. In a bid to win over the hearts (and the votes) of the people of Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is not leaving any stone unturned. He is also resorting to the Hindutva card. Rahul visited around 25 temples in Gujarat during the election campaign in the state. Similar religious symbolism is seen in his recent visits to temples and dargahs in Karnataka. Also, to woo the Lingayat community in the state, the Karnataka government granted minority status to them in March. Lingayats, the single largest community in Karnataka constitutes 17 per cent of the vote share and plays an important role in about 100 of the state's 224 seats. A win in the state will also have a significant impact for Congress in the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The election in Karnataka is therefore seen as an existential battle for the Congress party which has almost vanished from the map of India.

Karnataka elections: An existential battle for Congress

Much of the focus in the run-up to Karnataka assembly elections has been on the Congress. The reasons are obvious. It is the only big state which Congress has in its kitty. Without Karnataka, the morale of its workers would dip in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where elections are due later this year. But it does not mean that BJP remains immune from the election result. The impact of defeat in Karnataka would be far more challenging for the BJP than Congress. The latter is anyways on the margin.

BJP's defeat in Karnataka would cut short the party's dream to expand its footprint in South India. 2008 was BJP's renaissance in the south it won Karnataka handsomely. They lost the state again in 2013. After an impressive victory in 2014 elections, BJP embarked on an aggressive strategy to expand in southern and eastern India. It tasted success in the Northeast but failed in West Bengal.

Similar aggressive campaign of BJP in Kerala also failed. Despite the swell, fight remained between the Left and Congress. If BJP fails in Karnataka, it will be reduced as non-player in 130 seats. On top of it, BJP has lost a stable partner in the form of Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Both Chandrababu Naidu and K Chandrashekhar Rao are openly canvassing for a Third Front.

The BJP's efforts in Tamil Nadu too have not yielded results. The AIADMK has split and two film stars have jumped in the fray. Political players have multiplied and situation remains fluid in the state. Ruling AIADMK was not able to wrest Jayalalithaa's RK Nagar seat. Dinakaran won RK Nagar sending the message that the cadre is split. The state also saw a mild overture from Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he paid a visit to Karunanidhi. The meet was hailed as ice breaker but today, the DMK is also openly mooting the idea of a Third Front. So post Atal Bihari Vajpaye, BJP remains without alliance in Tamil Nadu. TDP has broken ties with the Centre and BJP has not been able to create a footprint in Telangana. 
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A loss in the state will have less of an impact in three northern state going to polls and more on the general elections in 2019. The BJP cannot expect to repeat its performance in most of the northern and western states. The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have already come together in Uttar Pradesh. Loss of alliance and footprint in south and east would mean that regional parties will have a greater say in the central government. It will reinforce the impression that despite success in many parts of India, BJP's idea of India remains alien to South India. This is not to undermine the fact that BJP's performance in Northeast was spectacular but it only adds 25 Lok Sabha seats to the kitty. 
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The loss would also empower the idea of regional players coming together to combat BJP at the Centre. It can also galvanise other regional parties who as of now are neutral or with the BJP. A loss would also empower the idea of strong regional chieftains against an imposing Centre which will again have resonance in Indian politics. The Congress lost the 1977 and 1989 Lok Sabha elections because regional parties came together. It happened again in 1996 but BJP emerged as the largest party in Lok Sabha.

Karnataka's loss can inspire politics on similar lines. For Congress a loss would mean another blow to Rahul Gandhi's credibility as a leader and further shrinking of whatever remains of the Congress. It would mean that it would become even more marginal when it comes to opposition politics. But for the BJP stakes are higher. A loss in Karnataka will impact its overall Lok Sabha strategy. It is for this reason more is at stake for BJP in Karnataka than Congress party.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A loss in the state will have less of an impact in three northern state going to polls and more on the general elections in 2019.

Much of the focus in the run-up to Karnataka assembly elections has been on the Congress. The reasons are obvious. It is the only big state which Congress has in its kitty. Without Karnataka, the morale of its workers would dip in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where elections are due later this year. But it does not mean that BJP remains immune from the election result. The impact of defeat in Karnataka would be far more challenging for the BJP than Congress. The latter is anyways on the margin. BJP's defeat in Karnataka would cut short the party's dream to expand its footprint in South India. 2008 was BJP's renaissance in the south it won Karnataka handsomely. They lost the state again in 2013. After an impressive victory in 2014 elections, BJP embarked on an aggressive strategy to expand in southern and eastern India. It tasted success in the Northeast but failed in West Bengal. Similar aggressive campaign of BJP in Kerala also failed. Despite the swell, fight remained between the Left and Congress. If BJP fails in Karnataka, it will be reduced as non-player in 130 seats. On top of it, BJP has lost a stable partner in the form of Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Both Chandrababu Naidu and K Chandrashekhar Rao are openly canvassing for a Third Front. The BJP's efforts in Tamil Nadu too have not yielded results. The AIADMK has split and two film stars have jumped in the fray. Political players have multiplied and situation remains fluid in the state. Ruling AIADMK was not able to wrest Jayalalithaa's RK Nagar seat. Dinakaran won RK Nagar sending the message that the cadre is split. The state also saw a mild overture from Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he paid a visit to Karunanidhi. The meet was hailed as ice breaker but today, the DMK is also openly mooting the idea of a Third Front. So post Atal Bihari Vajpaye, BJP remains without alliance in Tamil Nadu. TDP has broken ties with the Centre and BJP has not been able to create a footprint in Telangana. A loss in the state will have less of an impact in three northern state going to polls and more on the general elections in 2019. The BJP cannot expect to repeat its performance in most of the northern and western states. The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have already come together in Uttar Pradesh. Loss of alliance and footprint in south and east would mean that regional parties will have a greater say in the central government. It will reinforce the impression that despite success in many parts of India, BJP's idea of India remains alien to South India. This is not to undermine the fact that BJP's performance in Northeast was spectacular but it only adds 25 Lok Sabha seats to the kitty. The loss would also empower the idea of regional players coming together to combat BJP at the Centre. It can also galvanise other regional parties who as of now are neutral or with the BJP. A loss would also empower the idea of strong regional chieftains against an imposing Centre which will again have resonance in Indian politics. The Congress lost the 1977 and 1989 Lok Sabha elections because regional parties came together. It happened again in 1996 but BJP emerged as the largest party in Lok Sabha. Karnataka's loss can inspire politics on similar lines. For Congress a loss would mean another blow to Rahul Gandhi's credibility as a leader and further shrinking of whatever remains of the Congress. It would mean that it would become even more marginal when it comes to opposition politics. But for the BJP stakes are higher. A loss in Karnataka will impact its overall Lok Sabha strategy. It is for this reason more is at stake for BJP in Karnataka than Congress party. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: More is at stake for BJP than Congress in Karnataka elections

Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yeddyurappa, born on February 27, 1943, has made a strong stand for himself over the years. He was Karnataka's 19th chief minister, the current president of Karnataka BJP and is now ready to contest in the upcoming Karnataka election as the party's chief ministerial candidate.

He became the Chief Minister of Karnataka after leading the BJP to a victory in the 2008 assembly elections. A seven-time member of the Karnataka Assembly, he represents the Shimoga constituency in the Lok Sabha.

Yeddyurappa's political career began in Shikaripura at the taluk level (an administrative division) of the Jan Sangh (BJP traces its roots to the Jan Sangh) - of which he later became the president - during his college days in 1970 and he assiduously worked his way up. Yeddyurappa's official website says he was 15 when he joined the Sangh. He was imprisoned for 45 days during the Emergency in India and lodged in Bellary and Shimoga jails.

Though born in Mandya district, Yeddyurappa made Shimoga his political base and entered the assembly for the first time from Shikaripura in that district in 1983. He has been representing the constituency since then, losing only once in 1999.

Yeddyurappa once made a deal with Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswmy to bring down Dharam Singh-led Congress government in the state in 2006. The agreement between the two leaders was that Kumarasway will be the chief minister for first 20 months, and Yeddyurappa for rest of the period. But Kumaraswamy went back on his words and in the ensuing feud, Yeddyurappa could become the chief minister only for seven days.

It was only in the 2008 that his dream of helming the state affairs were realised. Yeddyurappa gave BJP a victory - and its first government in south - in the assembly elections in Karnataka and became the chief minister in May, 2008. Seventy five-year-old Yeddyurappa is the tallest Lingayat leader in Karnataka - one of the powerful communities in the state - and the BJP is banking on him to garner a sizeable chunk of Lingayat votes in the coming state elections.

A farmer's son, Yeddyuruppa has had a few ups and down during his journey as a regional stalwart, the most prominent one being his decision to quit the BJP in 2011 after he was caught in an illegal mining case. The allegations were that he made profit from illegal land deals in Bengaluru and Shimoga, and was also involved in the illegal iron ore export scam in Bellary, Tumkur and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka.

He resigned from his position as MLA and primary membership of BJP, and formally launched the Karnataka Janata Paksha in 2012. In November 2013, it was announced that he was considering an unconditional return to the BJP. On January 2, 2014, he announced merger with BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. He won from the Shimoga seat of Karnataka in the general election by a margin of 3,63,305 votes.

In 2016, BJP re-appointed Yeddyurappa as president of its Karnataka unit.

Yeddyurappa is an arts graduate and has been a farmer and a clerk. He has three daughters - Arunadevi, Padmavati and Umadevi - and two sons. His wife Maithra Devi died in 2004.

A farmer's son, Yeddyuruppa has had a few ups and down during his journey as a regional stalwart.

Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yeddyurappa, born on February 27, 1943, has made a strong stand for himself over the years. He was Karnataka's 19th chief minister, the current president of Karnataka BJP and is now ready to contest in the upcoming Karnataka election as the party's chief ministerial candidate. He became the Chief Minister of Karnataka after leading the BJP to a victory in the 2008 assembly elections. A seven-time member of the Karnataka Assembly, he represents the Shimoga constituency in the Lok Sabha. Yeddyurappa's political career began in Shikaripura at the taluk level (an administrative division) of the Jan Sangh (BJP traces its roots to the Jan Sangh) - of which he later became the president - during his college days in 1970 and he assiduously worked his way up. Yeddyurappa's official website says he was 15 when he joined the Sangh. He was imprisoned for 45 days during the Emergency in India and lodged in Bellary and Shimoga jails. Though born in Mandya district, Yeddyurappa made Shimoga his political base and entered the assembly for the first time from Shikaripura in that district in 1983. He has been representing the constituency since then, losing only once in 1999. Yeddyurappa once made a deal with Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswmy to bring down Dharam Singh-led Congress government in the state in 2006. The agreement between the two leaders was that Kumarasway will be the chief minister for first 20 months, and Yeddyurappa for rest of the period. But Kumaraswamy went back on his words and in the ensuing feud, Yeddyurappa could become the chief minister only for seven days. It was only in the 2008 that his dream of helming the state affairs were realised. Yeddyurappa gave BJP a victory - and its first government in south - in the assembly elections in Karnataka and became the chief minister in May, 2008. Seventy five-year-old Yeddyurappa is the tallest Lingayat leader in Karnataka - one of the powerful communities in the state - and the BJP is banking on him to garner a sizeable chunk of Lingayat votes in the coming state elections. A farmer's son, Yeddyuruppa has had a few ups and down during his journey as a regional stalwart, the most prominent one being his decision to quit the BJP in 2011 after he was caught in an illegal mining case. The allegations were that he made profit from illegal land deals in Bengaluru and Shimoga, and was also involved in the illegal iron ore export scam in Bellary, Tumkur and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka. He resigned from his position as MLA and primary membership of BJP, and formally launched the Karnataka Janata Paksha in 2012. In November 2013, it was announced that he was considering an unconditional return to the BJP. On January 2, 2014, he announced merger with BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. He won from the Shimoga seat of Karnataka in the general election by a margin of 3,63,305 votes. In 2016, BJP re-appointed Yeddyurappa as president of its Karnataka unit. Yeddyurappa is an arts graduate and has been a farmer and a clerk. He has three daughters - Arunadevi, Padmavati and Umadevi - and two sons. His wife Maithra Devi died in 2004.

B S Yeddyurappa: Karnataka's Lingayat strongman BJP is pinning its hope on

The BJP in Karnataka has filed a complaint against independent MLA Jignesh Mewani and actor Prakash Raj&nbspfor allegedly using defamatory and abusive language against Prime Minister&nbspModi and party's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

The complaint,&nbspregistered with the&nbspChief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM "a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country".

The letter added that Mevani and Prakash Raj have been constantly involved in jeopardising PM Modi and Yeddyurappa's image.

The complaint also requested the Election Commission to not to grant any permission to Mevani or Raj for holding any indoor or outdoor meeting in the state till the polls.

The BJP has also registered a complaint against senior politician AK Subbaiah for saying "Yeddyurappa along with his fiancee would run away once polls results are out".&nbsp

&nbsp

(With inputs from ANI)

The complaint, registered with the Chief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM 'a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country'

The BJP in Karnataka has filed a complaint against independent MLA Jignesh Mewani and actor Prakash Raj&nbspfor allegedly using defamatory and abusive language against Prime Minister&nbspModi and party's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa. The complaint,&nbspregistered with the&nbspChief Electoral Officer on Monday, states that while addressing a speech at an event in Bengaluru on April 29 Mevani called the PM "a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country". The letter added that Mevani and Prakash Raj have been constantly involved in jeopardising PM Modi and Yeddyurappa's image. The complaint also requested the Election Commission to not to grant any permission to Mevani or Raj for holding any indoor or outdoor meeting in the state till the polls. The BJP has also registered a complaint against senior politician AK Subbaiah for saying "Yeddyurappa along with his fiancee would run away once polls results are out". (With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka elections: BJP registers complaint against Jignesh Mewani, Prakash Raj for comments on PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing his second rally of the day in Karnataka, once again went on the offensive against the Congress.&nbsp;

"We are talking about enhancing 'ease of doing business' in the country, but Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'," he said.&nbsp;

"This is the culture they have developed," he added.&nbsp;

"Violence cannot exist in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes," Modi said.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at Udupi. He had earlier in the day addressed a rally at Mysuru. He will after his address another rally in Chikkodi.

Modi's campaign blitzkrieg will include 12 more rallies in Karnataka until May 8.

The state goes to the polls on May 12, with the results out on May 15.&nbsp;

In Udupi, Modi promised the people of Karnataka&nbsp;"development" in return for their "love".&nbsp;

"Your enthusiasm is proof that you've made up your mind to punish the Congress party," he said.&nbsp;

"Your love is such that language cannot act as a barrier between us. I will not let your hard work go in vain. I will return this love in the form of development," he added.&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-janata-parivar-veteran-and-congresss-best-bet-in-karnataka-polls-133957">Janata Parivar veteran and Congress's best bet in Karnataka polls</a>

BS Yeddyurappa: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/b-s-yeddyurappa-karnatakas-lingayat-strongman-bjp-is-pinning-its-hope-on-133936">Karnataka's Lingayat strongman BJP is pinning its hope on</a>

The Congress, Modi said, promotes violence and intolerance. "There can be nothing worse than the&nbsp;attack on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-lokayukta-justice-vishwanath-shetty-stabbed-attacker-arrested-34982">Lokayukta</a>," he said.&nbsp;

Modi accused Karnataka's Congress government of shielding the sand mafia. "Those who loot cannot be allowed to remain in power. They must go," he said.&nbsp;

Adding that "atkana, latkana and bhatkana&nbsp;has become the habit of the Congress".&nbsp;

"Government opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy," Modi said.&nbsp;

Hitting a softer note, he said: "There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Before going on the offensive again and saying, "The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Modi had attacked Rahul in the morning too, in his address in Mysuru.&nbsp;

"Can <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-rahul-gandhi-speak-for-15-minutes-pm-modi-at-karnataka-rally-133953">Rahul speak for 15 minutes</a> without the help of a paper?"&nbsp;Modi had asked then. The comment was a riposte to the Congress President challenging Modi to a 15-minute debate.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

'Violence cannot exist in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes,' Modi said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing his second rally of the day in Karnataka, once again went on the offensive against the Congress. "We are talking about enhancing 'ease of doing business' in the country, but Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'," he said. "This is the culture they have developed," he added. "Violence cannot exist in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes," Modi said. Modi was speaking at Udupi. He had earlier in the day addressed a rally at Mysuru. He will after his address another rally in Chikkodi. Modi's campaign blitzkrieg will include 12 more rallies in Karnataka until May 8. The state goes to the polls on May 12, with the results out on May 15. In Udupi, Modi promised the people of Karnataka "development" in return for their "love". "Your enthusiasm is proof that you've made up your mind to punish the Congress party," he said. "Your love is such that language cannot act as a barrier between us. I will not let your hard work go in vain. I will return this love in the form of development," he added. Siddaramaiah: Janata Parivar veteran and Congress's best bet in Karnataka polls BS Yeddyurappa: Karnataka's Lingayat strongman BJP is pinning its hope on The Congress, Modi said, promotes violence and intolerance. "There can be nothing worse than the attack on the Lokayukta," he said. Modi accused Karnataka's Congress government of shielding the sand mafia. "Those who loot cannot be allowed to remain in power. They must go," he said. Adding that "atkana, latkana and bhatkana has become the habit of the Congress". "Government opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy," Modi said. Hitting a softer note, he said: "There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time." Before going on the offensive again and saying, "The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful." Modi had attacked Rahul in the morning too, in his address in Mysuru. "Can Rahul speak for 15 minutes without the help of a paper?" Modi had asked then. The comment was a riposte to the Congress President challenging Modi to a 15-minute debate.

Govt talks of 'ease of doing business', Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder': Modi in Karnataka's Udupi

While addressing a rally in Mysore for the upcoming Karnataka polls in the state, Prime Minister Modi&nbsp;responded to Congress president Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;over his "15 minute" comment.

Hitting at the Congress President PM Modi said, "Can Rahul speak for 15 minutes?"

He further Rahul Gandhi and asked him to talk about his achievements without reading from any paper for 15 minutes.

He said, "I challenge you (Rahul Gandhi) to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from any piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue. He (Rahul Gandhi) had challenged me that if he speaks for 15 minutes then I will not be able to stand in front of him. Yes, you are right, you are a 'naamdar', what right do we 'kaamdaars' have to even sit in front of you".

Rahul Gandhi had earlier demanded a 15-minute debate with PM Modi in Parliament.

Gandhi was addressing "Save the Constitution" campaign in Delhi where he had targetted Modi government over farmers' issue, rising&nbsp;crime against women and corruption. He had also asked the prime minister to have a one on one debate with him for 15 minutes.

Gandhi had said, " Modi is afraid to stand in Parliament... If I am allowed to speak for 15 minutes on Rafale issue in Parliament before Modi, he will not be able to withstand it".

The BJP then&nbsp;hit back at Rahul saying that "the leader who cannot write 15 lines without looking at his phone, wants to talk for 15 minutes".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I challenge you (Rahul Gandhi) to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> without reading from any piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue: PM Modi in Mysuru <a href="https://t.co/BqVx9XThya">pic.twitter.com/BqVx9XThya</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/991211141077577728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul Gandhi had earlier demanded a 15-minute debate with PM Modi in Parliament

While addressing a rally in Mysore for the upcoming Karnataka polls in the state, Prime Minister Modi responded to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his "15 minute" comment. Hitting at the Congress President PM Modi said, "Can Rahul speak for 15 minutes?" He further Rahul Gandhi and asked him to talk about his achievements without reading from any paper for 15 minutes. He said, "I challenge you (Rahul Gandhi) to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from any piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue. He (Rahul Gandhi) had challenged me that if he speaks for 15 minutes then I will not be able to stand in front of him. Yes, you are right, you are a 'naamdar', what right do we 'kaamdaars' have to even sit in front of you". Rahul Gandhi had earlier demanded a 15-minute debate with PM Modi in Parliament. Gandhi was addressing "Save the Constitution" campaign in Delhi where he had targetted Modi government over farmers' issue, rising crime against women and corruption. He had also asked the prime minister to have a one on one debate with him for 15 minutes. Gandhi had said, " Modi is afraid to stand in Parliament... If I am allowed to speak for 15 minutes on Rafale issue in Parliament before Modi, he will not be able to withstand it". The BJP then hit back at Rahul saying that "the leader who cannot write 15 lines without looking at his phone, wants to talk for 15 minutes". I challenge you (Rahul Gandhi) to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in #Karnataka without reading from any piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue: PM Modi in Mysuru pic.twitter.com/BqVx9XThya — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018 ×

'Can Rahul Gandhi speak for 15 minutes?' Modi asks at Karnataka rally

After PM Modi took a dig at<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-kicks-off-election-rally-in-karnataka--133940"> Karnataka chief minister at </a>an election rally, Siddaramaiah hit back saying the BJP won't cross the 60-70-seat margin.

Addressing an election rally for the first time in Karnataka's Mysuru, the PM had said: BJP will sweep the state, not a wave but a BJP storm will hit Karnataka."&nbsp;

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah took a dig at the prime minister, saying: "Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara)."

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Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!! 
 
Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! <a href="https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE">https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/991215792334270464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!"

During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics".

Siddaramaiah followed up his remarks, saying: "Forget two seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70."

During the rally, PM Modi took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi asserting that the Congress vice-president couldn't even "speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development". PM Modi challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper in Hindi, English or "your mother tongue".

This is PM Modi's first election rally in the state which goes to the polls on May 12th. The prime minister is set to address another two rallies in Udupi and Belagavi.

His next stop will be in Udupi at 3pm today where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground.

Later the prime minister will address a rally in Chikkodi at 6pm.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u-KbZ2m14vg" width="560"></iframe>

During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics".

After PM Modi took a dig at Karnataka chief minister at an election rally, Siddaramaiah hit back saying the BJP won't cross the 60-70-seat margin. Addressing an election rally for the first time in Karnataka's Mysuru, the PM had said: BJP will sweep the state, not a wave but a BJP storm will hit Karnataka." Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah took a dig at the prime minister, saying: "Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara)." Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM @narendramodi ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!! Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018 × "Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!" During the rally, PM Modi had said the people of Karnataka will decide if they want "family politics" or "people's politics". Siddaramaiah followed up his remarks, saying: "Forget two seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70." During the rally, PM Modi took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi asserting that the Congress vice-president couldn't even "speak for 15 minutes on Karnataka's development". PM Modi challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak on Karnataka's development without reading from any piece of paper in Hindi, English or "your mother tongue". This is PM Modi's first election rally in the state which goes to the polls on May 12th. The prime minister is set to address another two rallies in Udupi and Belagavi. His next stop will be in Udupi at 3pm today where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground. Later the prime minister will address a rally in Chikkodi at 6pm.

'Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies?' Siddaramaiah asks Modi

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