Karnataka

The polling, which started at 7 a.m., will continue till 6 p.m. Brisk voting is expected across the state, as major political parties in the state are locked in the close contest. The ruling BJP is hoping to create history by obtaining a simple majority for the first time in the state, which is considered the gateway for South India. The saffron party won 110 seats in the 2008 Assembly elections and 104 seats in the 2018 Assembly elections. On both occasions, it succeeded to form the government "through operation lotus".

Addressing a massive rally in Ramanagara, Shivakumar said: "You have given a chance to H.D. Kumaraswamy who won here to become the CM. Now, you have to give an opportunity to Shivakumar as well. "You have made Kengal Hanumantaiah as the CM, you made Deve Gowda as CM (former PM H.D. Deve Gowda), you made Ramakrishna Hegde as CM (late Karnataka CM). Now, can't your son from this soil become CM?" he wondered while addressing the people.

Shettar, who recently quit the BJP and joined the Congress after being denied an election ticket by the saffron camp, is contesting on a Congress ticket from his home turf in the May 10 Assembly elections. However, at the ground level, things seem to be not working in favour of the soft-spoken veteran politician, who's known to have a.

With its efforts and outreach of the national as well as top state-level leaders, the saffron party has made the fight in the state intense. According to Karnataka BJP, the party has conducted 9,125 rallies and 1,377 roadshows in the state. BJP leaders, during the campaigning, paid visit to 311 temples and mutts. The party had also organised.

Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters here, Yediyurappa said the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community in the state is with the BJP. "This time there won't be a fractured verdict in the state. BJP is going to win 135 to 140 seats. In 2008, BJP had won 110 seats, in 2018 it got 104. This time, we will get simple majority. There is no chance of a hung Assembly, as the BJP will get a clear mandate," Yediyurappa said.

The Chief Minister told reporters here that Veerashaiva is a very big community and it is not under any organisation. A lot of respect is given to the Veerashaiva Mahasabha, but it is not correct to use any organisation for election purpose, he said. "If four or five persons say something, does it become the voice of the Lingayats? The Lingayat community is like an ocean. The Lingayat Forum is an organisation that emerged ahead of election, " he stated.

Bengaluru: The BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commissioner of India and the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka against Sonia Gandhi for making the statement, “the Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka’s reputation, sovereignty or integrity.”

Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar is campaigning for the first time in his Kanakapura constituency on Monday. He will address a public rally at 3 p.m. in the town. BJP has fielded Minister for Revenue R. Ashoka  here and hopes to challenge Shivakumar. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will hold roadshows at Chickpet and Viaynagar.

Addressing a massive crowd in Nanjangud of Mysuru district, PM Modi said: "Do not believe in the bundle of lies by Congress. This is going to be my last speech in Karnataka before the Assembly elections. I thank all Kannada people from my heart for supporting me. All should participate in the festival of elections. Your vote will give new direction to the state and nation."

Speaking at a rally, PM Modi said that the BJP would form the government with an absolute majority. He told the people that every single vote would decide the future of Karnataka. He said that the people have confidence in the 'Double Engine' government of the BJP, adding the Congress did not do anything for rail.