Star campaigner is leading BJP's Karnataka election crusade
What's the story
PM Modi kicked off his election campaign in Karnataka by launching a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi. He said, "The Congress President is 'Namdaar' so how does he know about the efforts of 'Kaamdaars'?" With its star campaigner addressing 15 rallies within 5 days, BJP's mission is to win 150 seats in the southern state that goes to the polls on May 12.
Sneak peek
A raging battleground: Why Karnataka matters
All parties and their campaigners are leaving no stone unturned for India's seventh largest legislative assembly with 224 seats. The result on May 15, will not only decide whether incumbent Congress government under CM Siddaramaiah will sustain the challenge from BJP, it will also give a glimpse of the voting trend for upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and the 2019 Lok Sabha.
Congress leads
What do the opinion polls say
Although, all major polls had earlier predicted a photo finish, a recent C-fore survey on Monday gave a clear majority to the incumbent Congress with 118 to 128 seats. The survey put the BJP in the second place with 63 to 73 seats, while the 'king maker' party, Janata Dal (Secular), at third place with only 29 to 36 seats.
Best Bet
Why Modi matters for BJP in Karnataka
PM Modi is the best bet for BJP's entry into the South, he overcame a similar challenge by defeating CPI(M) in Tripura. "PM Modi's entry is like Dhoni going to bat in the crucial few last overs of a match. His mere presence will make a difference," said BJP spokesperson S Prakash. His untainted leadership remains the most popular choice for the masses.
Information
Will 'Congress-mukt Karnataka' become a reality?
With Modi at forefront, BJP's slogan to make a 'Congress-mukt Karnataka' can certainly become a reality. Further, it will also take the BJP a step closer to 'Congress-mukt Bharat' campaign because after Karnataka, Congress rule would be reduced to only Punjab, Mizoram and Puducherry.