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".

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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

Hitting back at the BJP for calling his government "corrupt", Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah targetted the Bhartiya Janata Party on Tuesday saying their party do not have any moral right to talk about corruption.

He also questioned the BJP over the appointment of Lokpal.

He said, " What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister&nbsp;of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta".

Referring to PM Modi's visit to Karnataka to address rallies ahead of the assembly election, he said " It is a democracy, we have no personal enmity with the PM. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact".

BJP President Amit Shah had said on Monday that the Siddaramaiah government in the Karnataka is famous only for corruption.

While addressing a public meeting in the state he had said "Each and every state in the country has been known for some special programmes like promoting agriculture, giving prominence to industries, constructing dams to solve water crisis to name a few in the last five years. But the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka is famous only for corruption".

He also said that Congress party is known for corrupt practices and is not supporting anti-corruption steps.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Mz5GYTor2">pic.twitter.com/1Mz5GYTor2</a>
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It is a democracy, we have no personal enmity with the PM. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Vz8Kjtekh">pic.twitter.com/6Vz8Kjtekh</a>
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Siddaramaiah said, 'What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta'

Hitting back at the BJP for calling his government "corrupt", Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah targetted the Bhartiya Janata Party on Tuesday saying their party do not have any moral right to talk about corruption. He also questioned the BJP over the appointment of Lokpal. He said, " What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta". Referring to PM Modi's visit to Karnataka to address rallies ahead of the assembly election, he said " It is a democracy, we have no personal enmity with the PM. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact". BJP President Amit Shah had said on Monday that the Siddaramaiah government in the Karnataka is famous only for corruption. While addressing a public meeting in the state he had said "Each and every state in the country has been known for some special programmes like promoting agriculture, giving prominence to industries, constructing dams to solve water crisis to name a few in the last five years. But the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka is famous only for corruption". He also said that Congress party is known for corrupt practices and is not supporting anti-corruption steps. What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/1Mz5GYTor2 — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018 × It is a democracy, we have no personal enmity with the PM. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/6Vz8Kjtekh — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018 ×

BJP has no moral right to talk about corruption: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

The two front runners for the post of Chief minister of Karnataka state, Siddaramaiah of the Congress Party and B.S. Yeddyurappa of the BJP are repeatedly assuring their voters that they will head the government if their respective party is elected to power, but the fact is that both are unsure of the support of their own party colleagues in the matter.

Siddaramaiah's doesn't just need to fight the BJP he has people within the party who have been openly dissenting with his nomination as the CM candidate. Though he is the sitting chief minister of the only large Congress ruling state in the country, his party colleagues who are far senior to him, feel that he should have made way to someone else this time, like say Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge or the very popular and influential D.K. Shivakumar.

But Siddaramaiah had Rahul Gandhi's ear, and convinced him that he would deliver victory. Therefore the sharp and shrewd Kuruba caste leader had a completely free run in the selection of candidates. Winnability and caste affiliations were the deciding factors in allotting tickets. The result is that others in the party were piqued, which is evident in their body language when sharing the stage with Siddaramaiah. When the CM speaks they chatter amongst each other or look disinterestedly at the audience, even glowering when slogans are raised praising Siddaramaiah. Actually, this isn't in the tradition of the Congress party. When a Gandhi is on stage, slogans are only for RG. But its different in Karnataka where regionalism off late has become important for its people. The crowd whistles and laughs out loud at all the playing to the gallery that Siddaramaiah does. RG is not getting the same response. People are polite, they smile at him, get selfies taken with him but voluble support is only for Siddaramaiah.

 
But crowds and promises need not always translate into votes. He has a tough two weeks ahead of him. In both the constituencies that he is contesting from, Chamundeshwari and Badami, his rivals are strong and have vowed to defeat him at any cost. There are many in the Congress who whisper that some big guns in the Congress would relish the prospect of a Congress win minus Siddaramaiah. If Siddaramaiah loses in both his constituencies then he can hardly make a claim to be CM. In the event of a hung assembly, the Congress could approach the Janata Dal (S) for support to form an anti-BJP coalition. The JDS could consider it only if it is a minus Siddaramaiah formula. The JDS's allergy to the current CM is quite evident. He was expelled from the JDS and went on to join the Congress party. At almost every rally Siddaramaiah ridicules the secular credentials of the JDS, calling it the BJP's B team.

But the A team of the BJP is not exactly sure of the alleged B team. Deve Gowda is a factor that can swing either way. In the A team, it is Mr A who has parked himself in the state and decided on ticket distribution. Amit Shah in his typical style has made it a do-or-die battle for his team. Chief Minister candidate Yeddyurappa has been relegated to playing second fiddle. He has been on a massive sulk for weeks on end, as his list of candidates found no space during ticket distribution and the straw that broke the camel's back was when his son was denied the ticket from Varuna constituency. Yeddyurappa's son B.Y. Raghavendra may find a place in the hopefuls for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, at least that is what it seems is the carrot held to him. There were very strong rumours that Yeddyurappa was grooming his son to take over from him, half way through his tenure of Chief Ministership citing ill health. But that wasn't to be. Not just that, now it appears that Yeddyurappa may not be sharing stage with PM Modi in all the rallies that is on the itinerary. The CM candidate is barely interacting with his party colleagues. He doesn't take calls of spokespersons or party leaders his staff is almost as miffed as their boss. 
The Lingayat leader will carry the vote of the largest voting bloc in the state it seems but may not carry the confidence of his own party. Articles have started appearing in the regional press that there is talk in the BJP that they might ditch Yeddyurappa if he fails to enthuse voters. In all likelihood Modi will galvanize the public more than the party's CM candidate, who seems listless and confused at most rallies. He is no match for Siddaramaiah when it comes to punch filled speeches, but he has the benefit of belonging to the largest caste grouping in the state and the blessings of a number of Lingayat seers.

With no wave visible till two weeks before polling day, it seems like the chief minister candidates will have to cajole dissenters or crush internal dissonances in the party to appear strong and capable of leading their party. Karnataka goes to polls on 12th May 2018 in all 224 constituencies simultaneously. Results will be declared on 15th May.&nbsp

The two front runners for the post of Chief minister of Karnataka state, Siddaramaiah of the Congress Party and B.S. Yeddyurappa of the BJP are repeatedly assuring their voters that they will head the government if their respective party is elected to power, but the fact is that both are unsure of the support of their own party colleagues in the matter

The two front runners for the post of Chief minister of Karnataka state, Siddaramaiah of the Congress Party and B.S. Yeddyurappa of the BJP are repeatedly assuring their voters that they will head the government if their respective party is elected to power, but the fact is that both are unsure of the support of their own party colleagues in the matter. Siddaramaiah's doesn't just need to fight the BJP he has people within the party who have been openly dissenting with his nomination as the CM candidate. Though he is the sitting chief minister of the only large Congress ruling state in the country, his party colleagues who are far senior to him, feel that he should have made way to someone else this time, like say Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge or the very popular and influential D.K. Shivakumar. But Siddaramaiah had Rahul Gandhi's ear, and convinced him that he would deliver victory. Therefore the sharp and shrewd Kuruba caste leader had a completely free run in the selection of candidates. Winnability and caste affiliations were the deciding factors in allotting tickets. The result is that others in the party were piqued, which is evident in their body language when sharing the stage with Siddaramaiah. When the CM speaks they chatter amongst each other or look disinterestedly at the audience, even glowering when slogans are raised praising Siddaramaiah. Actually, this isn't in the tradition of the Congress party. When a Gandhi is on stage, slogans are only for RG. But its different in Karnataka where regionalism off late has become important for its people. The crowd whistles and laughs out loud at all the playing to the gallery that Siddaramaiah does. RG is not getting the same response. People are polite, they smile at him, get selfies taken with him but voluble support is only for Siddaramaiah. But crowds and promises need not always translate into votes. He has a tough two weeks ahead of him. In both the constituencies that he is contesting from, Chamundeshwari and Badami, his rivals are strong and have vowed to defeat him at any cost. There are many in the Congress who whisper that some big guns in the Congress would relish the prospect of a Congress win minus Siddaramaiah. If Siddaramaiah loses in both his constituencies then he can hardly make a claim to be CM. In the event of a hung assembly, the Congress could approach the Janata Dal (S) for support to form an anti-BJP coalition. The JDS could consider it only if it is a minus Siddaramaiah formula. The JDS's allergy to the current CM is quite evident. He was expelled from the JDS and went on to join the Congress party. At almost every rally Siddaramaiah ridicules the secular credentials of the JDS, calling it the BJP's B team. But the A team of the BJP is not exactly sure of the alleged B team. Deve Gowda is a factor that can swing either way. In the A team, it is Mr A who has parked himself in the state and decided on ticket distribution. Amit Shah in his typical style has made it a do-or-die battle for his team. Chief Minister candidate Yeddyurappa has been relegated to playing second fiddle. He has been on a massive sulk for weeks on end, as his list of candidates found no space during ticket distribution and the straw that broke the camel's back was when his son was denied the ticket from Varuna constituency. Yeddyurappa's son B.Y. Raghavendra may find a place in the hopefuls for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, at least that is what it seems is the carrot held to him. There were very strong rumours that Yeddyurappa was grooming his son to take over from him, half way through his tenure of Chief Ministership citing ill health. But that wasn't to be. Not just that, now it appears that Yeddyurappa may not be sharing stage with PM Modi in all the rallies that is on the itinerary. The CM candidate is barely interacting with his party colleagues. He doesn't take calls of spokespersons or party leaders his staff is almost as miffed as their boss. The Lingayat leader will carry the vote of the largest voting bloc in the state it seems but may not carry the confidence of his own party. Articles have started appearing in the regional press that there is talk in the BJP that they might ditch Yeddyurappa if he fails to enthuse voters. In all likelihood Modi will galvanize the public more than the party's CM candidate, who seems listless and confused at most rallies. He is no match for Siddaramaiah when it comes to punch filled speeches, but he has the benefit of belonging to the largest caste grouping in the state and the blessings of a number of Lingayat seers. With no wave visible till two weeks before polling day, it seems like the chief minister candidates will have to cajole dissenters or crush internal dissonances in the party to appear strong and capable of leading their party. Karnataka goes to polls on 12th May 2018 in all 224 constituencies simultaneously. Results will be declared on 15th May.

The loneliness of Karnataka's CM candidates

About 2655 candidates, including 219 women, are contesting elections in the upcoming Karnataka polls, which is heading for elections on May 12.

The results of the state with 224&nbsp;will be declared on May 15.

The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats.

The highest number of 39 candidates will be fielded in Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district. Whereas Challakere in Chitradurga will field four candidates, the least number of candidates in any constituency.

A recent data released, shows that in 2013, 3693 candidates filed their nominations for contesting the polls. while this year 3509 have filed their nominations.&nbsp;

In 2013, 744 candidates' nominations were withdrawn or rejected, while in 2018, 854 nominations have been withdrawn or rejected.&nbsp;

In 2018, 2436 males will contest the elections as compared to 2788 in 2013.While 219 women will contest the elections as opposed to 170 in 2013.

About 832 candidates registered from unrecognised political parties in the polls in 2013 while this year 800 candidates registered.&nbsp;

1155 independent candidates will contest the polls as compared to 1223 in 2013.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats

About 2655 candidates, including 219 women, are contesting elections in the upcoming Karnataka polls, which is heading for elections on May 12. The results of the state with 224 will be declared on May 15. The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats. The highest number of 39 candidates will be fielded in Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district. Whereas Challakere in Chitradurga will field four candidates, the least number of candidates in any constituency. A recent data released, shows that in 2013, 3693 candidates filed their nominations for contesting the polls. while this year 3509 have filed their nominations. In 2013, 744 candidates' nominations were withdrawn or rejected, while in 2018, 854 nominations have been withdrawn or rejected. In 2018, 2436 males will contest the elections as compared to 2788 in 2013.While 219 women will contest the elections as opposed to 170 in 2013. About 832 candidates registered from unrecognised political parties in the polls in 2013 while this year 800 candidates registered. 1155 independent candidates will contest the polls as compared to 1223 in 2013. (With inputs from ANI)

2655 candidates to contest in Karnataka elections

Assuring clear majority in the Karnataka polls, state chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday nullified reports of entering into a post-poll alliance with Janata Dal (Secular).

He said in an&nbsp;interview "This situation does not arise at all. I am very confident that we will form the government on our own with a clear majority."

On being asked about JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda and his son and party president HD Kumaraswamy coming together in the event of a hung assembly, Siddaramaiah noted, "They are day-dreaming to be kingmakers. They will be disappointed."

HD Deve Gowda led Janata Dal-Secular party has already formed a pre-poll alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-218-candidates-for-karnataka-polls-130629">Chief minister Siddaramaiah had clarified before also</a>&nbsp;that his party was not going to enter into an alliance with any other party.&nbsp;

Asserting that Congress was a secular party he said that they were not forming an alliance with Janata Dal(Secular).

He also hinted at a nexus between BJP and JD(S). He said that Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy have an internal understanding to overthrow his government.&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah said, Why Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy are attacking me? Why can Kumaraswamy not attack Yeddyurappa or BJP? It`s a game plan and an internal understanding of them to overthrow our government. Nothing such thing will happen."

Siddaramaiah will contest the state polls from two constituencies,&nbsp;Chamundeshwari and Badami.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 225-member assembly. The results will be announced on May 15.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Siddaramaiah also hinted at having a nexus between BJP and JD(S), he said that Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy have an internal understanding to overthrow his government

Assuring clear majority in the Karnataka polls, state chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday nullified reports of entering into a post-poll alliance with Janata Dal (Secular). He said in an interview "This situation does not arise at all. I am very confident that we will form the government on our own with a clear majority." On being asked about JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda and his son and party president HD Kumaraswamy coming together in the event of a hung assembly, Siddaramaiah noted, "They are day-dreaming to be kingmakers. They will be disappointed." HD Deve Gowda led Janata Dal-Secular party has already formed a pre-poll alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Chief minister Siddaramaiah had clarified before also that his party was not going to enter into an alliance with any other party. Asserting that Congress was a secular party he said that they were not forming an alliance with Janata Dal(Secular). He also hinted at a nexus between BJP and JD(S). He said that Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy have an internal understanding to overthrow his government. Siddaramaiah said, Why Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy are attacking me? Why can Kumaraswamy not attack Yeddyurappa or BJP? It`s a game plan and an internal understanding of them to overthrow our government. Nothing such thing will happen." Siddaramaiah will contest the state polls from two constituencies, Chamundeshwari and Badami. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 225-member assembly. The results will be announced on May 15. (With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka elections: No post-poll alliance with JD(S), confirms Siddaramaiah

BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa announced today that his son B Y Vijayendra would not be contesting from Varuna assembly constituency in Mysuru against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son Yatindra.

Yeddyurappa's announcement at a meeting organised by the party at Nanjanagudu, near Mysuru, led to largescale protests by BJP workers, following which police resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control.

"Vijayendra is not filing nomination today, a common man (party worker) will be fielded and he will be filing the nomination," Yeddyurappa said.

"With folded hands I request all of you to support and bless that candidate and make him win," he said.

Battle for Varuna assembly constituency in Mysuru was projected as a fight between the sons of former and current chief ministers.

The BJP has not so far officially announced any candidate for Varuna.

Vijayendra, Yeddyurappa's second son, was projected as the candidate, despite the party not announcing any candidate.

He has been campaigning in the constituency for over a fortnight now, and even had rented a house there.

According to party sources, Vijayendra was to file his nomination from Varuna today.

As Yeddyurappa left the stage after making the announcement, angry workers got on to the dais and damage furniture.

They even tried to stop Vijayendra and other party leaders' cars to know the reason why he was denied the ticket.

Police said they resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control.

Siddaramaiah, who has chosen neighbouring Chamundeshwari and Badami in north Karnataka to contest the May 12 assembly election, has been representing Varuna after it became a constituency in 2008 following delimitation.

Yeddyurappa's elder son B Y Raghavendra is the sitting member of the assembly from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district.

Yeddyurappa is contesting the upcoming election"from Shikaripura.

The Karnataka Assembly polls will be held on May 12 and the votes will be counted on May 15.

Vijayendra, Yeddyurappa's second son, was projected as the candidate, despite the party not announcing any candidate

BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa announced today that his son B Y Vijayendra would not be contesting from Varuna assembly constituency in Mysuru against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son Yatindra. Yeddyurappa's announcement at a meeting organised by the party at Nanjanagudu, near Mysuru, led to largescale protests by BJP workers, following which police resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control. "Vijayendra is not filing nomination today, a common man (party worker) will be fielded and he will be filing the nomination," Yeddyurappa said. "With folded hands I request all of you to support and bless that candidate and make him win," he said. Battle for Varuna assembly constituency in Mysuru was projected as a fight between the sons of former and current chief ministers. The BJP has not so far officially announced any candidate for Varuna. Vijayendra, Yeddyurappa's second son, was projected as the candidate, despite the party not announcing any candidate. He has been campaigning in the constituency for over a fortnight now, and even had rented a house there. According to party sources, Vijayendra was to file his nomination from Varuna today. As Yeddyurappa left the stage after making the announcement, angry workers got on to the dais and damage furniture. They even tried to stop Vijayendra and other party leaders' cars to know the reason why he was denied the ticket. Police said they resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control. Siddaramaiah, who has chosen neighbouring Chamundeshwari and Badami in north Karnataka to contest the May 12 assembly election, has been representing Varuna after it became a constituency in 2008 following delimitation. Yeddyurappa's elder son B Y Raghavendra is the sitting member of the assembly from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district. Yeddyurappa is contesting the upcoming election"from Shikaripura. The Karnataka Assembly polls will be held on May 12 and the votes will be counted on May 15.

Son not to contest polls from Varuna seat: Yeddyurappa

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today asserted that the mood in Karnataka was in favour of his party and it would win the May 12 polls, as he concluded his six rounds of "Yatra" in the run-up to the elections.

Addressing a public rally here to mark the culmination of his "Janarshivad Yatra" covering all regions of the state, Rahul accused the Narendra Modi government of discriminating against the Congress government in Karnataka.

"Karnataka's mood is in favour of the Congress party and we will the election," Gandhi said, winding up the last lap of his "yatra", which he devoted to mainly attack the Modi government.

The visit also saw Gandhi visit temples and other religious places and interact with Hindu seers, besides holding roadshows and mingling with crowds.

"Wherever PM Modi goes he speaks his maan ki baat. I would like to tell you that the Congress party will listen to maan ki baat and on the basis of what is in your mind we will run the government."

"We will work towards progress by taking everyone together. It will be the government of everyone, of every religion, caste and language," he told the gathering at the sprawling Palace Grounds.

Gandhi said the Karnataka elections was a "fight between two ideologies."

"On one side Congress that like Bengaluru works for joining everyone, spreads brotherhood and love. On the other side BJP, RSS and Nagpur's ideology. It's the ideology of spreading anger, hate and dividing."

He also attacked BJP president Amit Shah for his remarks equating opposition parties with animals.

"I want to tell you from this stage that no Congress leader can ever make such statement."

At a rally in Mumbai to mark BJP's foundation day on Thursday, Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats', who are seeking to unite despite their inherent differences to take on BJP in next year's Lok Sabha polls.

Shah later said what he meant was political parties having no ideological similarities were coming together out of fear of Modi.

Gandhi said "when Modi speaks, he should from the stage speak about Nirav Modi, Rafale aircraft, Amit Shah's son, Gujarat petroleum scam and Yeddyurappa."

At a rally in Mumbai to mark BJP's foundation day on Thursday, Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today asserted that the mood in Karnataka was in favour of his party and it would win the May 12 polls, as he concluded his six rounds of "Yatra" in the run-up to the elections. Addressing a public rally here to mark the culmination of his "Janarshivad Yatra" covering all regions of the state, Rahul accused the Narendra Modi government of discriminating against the Congress government in Karnataka. "Karnataka's mood is in favour of the Congress party and we will the election," Gandhi said, winding up the last lap of his "yatra", which he devoted to mainly attack the Modi government. The visit also saw Gandhi visit temples and other religious places and interact with Hindu seers, besides holding roadshows and mingling with crowds. "Wherever PM Modi goes he speaks his maan ki baat. I would like to tell you that the Congress party will listen to maan ki baat and on the basis of what is in your mind we will run the government." "We will work towards progress by taking everyone together. It will be the government of everyone, of every religion, caste and language," he told the gathering at the sprawling Palace Grounds. Gandhi said the Karnataka elections was a "fight between two ideologies." "On one side Congress that like Bengaluru works for joining everyone, spreads brotherhood and love. On the other side BJP, RSS and Nagpur's ideology. It's the ideology of spreading anger, hate and dividing." He also attacked BJP president Amit Shah for his remarks equating opposition parties with animals. "I want to tell you from this stage that no Congress leader can ever make such statement." At a rally in Mumbai to mark BJP's foundation day on Thursday, Shah had equated opposition parties to 'snakes' and mongoose' and 'dogs' and 'cats', who are seeking to unite despite their inherent differences to take on BJP in next year's Lok Sabha polls. Shah later said what he meant was political parties having no ideological similarities were coming together out of fear of Modi. Gandhi said "when Modi speaks, he should from the stage speak about Nirav Modi, Rafale aircraft, Amit Shah's son, Gujarat petroleum scam and Yeddyurappa."

Karnataka elections fight between two ideologies: Rahul Gandhi

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today described as a &quot;political gimmick&#39; the BJP state President BS Yeddyurappa hosting Dalit families at his residence in Bengaluru.

&quot;It is just a political gimmick, it is a drama,&quot; Siddaramaiah told reporters here in response to a question.

After Yeddyurappa&#39;s clarification&nbsp;that the event has nothing to do with politics,&nbsp;Siddaramaiah said &quot;Then why he did not do it when he was the chief minister, while in power? Why did not he go to their (Dalits) houses and hear their difficulties and pain, then? Why did not he formulate programmes for their upliftment&quot;.

&quot;Did he give even a single Dalit leader a good portfolio? See these are all political gimmicks. He is doing it for 2018 elections, but people will understand (the truth),&quot; the chief minister said.

Yeddyurappa had yesterday hosted 33 Dalit families from across the state for lunch at his residence here, as a mark of gratitude for&nbsp;their hospitality during his state-wide tour.

Considered as an attempt to woo Dalit votes, the families were served with lunch along with gifts and&nbsp;arrangements made&nbsp;for their sightseeing across&nbsp;the city.

As part of his &quot;Janasamparka yatra&quot; and drought study tour across the state in May, Yeddyurappa along with other leaders partook of breakfast at Dalits houses across the state.

The former chief minister had quoted controversy during this state wide tour as it was alleged that he had breakfast brought from a nearby hotel instead of what was homemade, which drew flak from both the Congress and the JD(S).

Yeddyurappa had yesterday hosted 33 Dalit families from across the state at his residence, as a mark of gratitude to their hospitality during his state wide tour

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today described as a "political gimmick' the BJP state President BS Yeddyurappa hosting Dalit families at his residence in Bengaluru. "It is just a political gimmick, it is a drama," Siddaramaiah told reporters here in response to a question. After Yeddyurappa's clarification that the event has nothing to do with politics, Siddaramaiah said "Then why he did not do it when he was the chief minister, while in power? Why did not he go to their (Dalits) houses and hear their difficulties and pain, then? Why did not he formulate programmes for their upliftment". "Did he give even a single Dalit leader a good portfolio? See these are all political gimmicks. He is doing it for 2018 elections, but people will understand (the truth)," the chief minister said. Yeddyurappa had yesterday hosted 33 Dalit families from across the state for lunch at his residence here, as a mark of gratitude for their hospitality during his state-wide tour. Considered as an attempt to woo Dalit votes, the families were served with lunch along with gifts and arrangements made for their sightseeing across the city. As part of his "Janasamparka yatra" and drought study tour across the state in May, Yeddyurappa along with other leaders partook of breakfast at Dalits houses across the state. The former chief minister had quoted controversy during this state wide tour as it was alleged that he had breakfast brought from a nearby hotel instead of what was homemade, which drew flak from both the Congress and the JD(S).

Yeddyurappa hosting Dalit families 'political gimmick', says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief B S Yeddyurappa is once again&nbsp;amidst a brewing controversy over claims of promoting untouchability, as he had a meal at a Dalit`s home that was allegedly prepared and brought to him from a nearby hotel.

During his visit to Tumakuru district on Friday, the former chief minister who was accompanied by other party members visited the residence of a Dalit family where he allegedly ate `idlis` from a nearby hotel and not the food prepared by the family.

Claiming his act would spark off negativity in the community, a young man from the family lodged a complaint with the police.

Dismissing claims of disrespecting the family, a BJP spokesperson painted the allegations as a political move, adding that those who raised the issue must immediately apologise to the family.

Yeddyurappa received flak over a similar situation earlier in Tumakuru where he was photographed eating &quot;thatte idli&quot; at a Dalit`s house at Gubbi.&nbsp;

(ANI)

A young man from the Dalit family lodged a complaint with the police

Karnataka State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief B S Yeddyurappa is once again amidst a brewing controversy over claims of promoting untouchability, as he had a meal at a Dalit`s home that was allegedly prepared and brought to him from a nearby hotel. During his visit to Tumakuru district on Friday, the former chief minister who was accompanied by other party members visited the residence of a Dalit family where he allegedly ate `idlis` from a nearby hotel and not the food prepared by the family. Claiming his act would spark off negativity in the community, a young man from the family lodged a complaint with the police. Dismissing claims of disrespecting the family, a BJP spokesperson painted the allegations as a political move, adding that those who raised the issue must immediately apologise to the family. Yeddyurappa received flak over a similar situation earlier in Tumakuru where he was photographed eating "thatte idli" at a Dalit`s house at Gubbi. (ANI)

Former Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa visits Dalit home but allegedly orders, eats food from nearby hotel

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