Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023

"The Congress is talking about banning the Bajrang Dal. They have likened the Bajrang Dal with PFI, an anti-national and terrorist organisation that has already been banned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," CM Bommai said during BJP's election campaign in Dharwad.

A day after the BJP promised the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in its manifesto, the Congress promised action against individuals, and organizations spreading hatred. Many of the promises made by the party are likely to stir controversy. "We believe that law and Constitution are sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organizations like Bajrang Dal, PFI, or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among the majority or minority communities."

The constituency is witnessing a tight contest, and campaigning has turned bitter. Violent incidents have also been reported. What seemed to be a cake-walk for Siddaramaiah has changed now, and with Shah campaigning the fight could be cut-throat. Amit Shah is addressing a public rally in the Hosakote village of the constituency. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, MP and veteran leader V. Srinivasparasad, who is a prominent Dalit leader in the region, are participating in the programme.

He said Congress MLA Priyank Kharge termed Modi as 'useless'. Bommai appealed to the people to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party to teach a lesson to the Congress. Speaking at a poll rally in favour of Krishnaraja BJP candidate Srivatsa here on Monday, he said Mysuru is a historic, heritage, and world-famous city and the BJP has been strong in the last three decades.

Addressing a huge public rally in Hassan, Rahul Gandhi said: "The BJP first stole your government and then, through the government, it stole money from you. Now, the PM gives speeches here. But the truth is that he knew about all the corruption that took place in Karnataka in the last three years.

Addressing a large gathering in Turuvekere, Rahul Gandhi said, "Modi ji, you don't talk about Karnataka's issues when you come here to campaign for the elections. You only talk about yourself. You should tell the people what you did for Karnataka in the last three years.

Shah is visiting sensitive Shivamogga city and will be holding a roadshow there. Shivamogga has witnessed communal violence last year after the murder of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha followed by a series of stabbing incidents. The city was under curfew for more than eight days in February, 2022. Amit Shah will take up campaigning in the evening. The roadshow will begin at Shivappa Nayaka circle and end near Lakshmi talkies. The BJP has denied ticket to BJP veteran K.S. Eshwarappa fielded a new face, Channabasappa, the right hand man of Eshwarappa as its candidate.

The statements by leaders of the grand old party regarding 'corrupt' Lingayat chief ministers and comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'poisonous snake (later withdrawn) have given the BJP much-needed ammunition to counter the narrative e the Congress spun around former CM Jagadish Shettar.

"The Congress leaders say those who avail of the reservation facilities are beggars. Are the SC, ST, OBC, and Lingayats beggars? The people will teach a lesson to the Congress," Bommai said at a rally. Speaking at a roadshow while campaigning for BJP candidate M.S. Somalingappa in Siraguppa on Saturday.

The elections are not about forming a government in the state but about making Karnataka the number one state in the country, he added.Addressing a huge public rally in Humnabad of Bidar, PM Modi maintained that if India has to emerge as a developed country, there must be a developed Karnataka. The people of the state have suffered enough due to coalition governments. The focus of the coalition government won't be on the people. When the JD(S)-Congress coalition was there, JD(S)'s loyalty was towards the Congress and not the people.