Karnataka Polls LIVE | Section144 imposed in Bengaluru as countdown begins

Jairam Ramesh, senior congress leader claimed that the Janata Dal (Secular) will “disintegrate” after the Karnataka assembly poll results on Saturday and predicted that there was no scope for a coalition government. 
"I am absolutely sure that JDS will disintegrate… This time I do not think that there is any scope for a coalition government with JD(S),” the Congress general secretary in-charge communications told news agency.

The incumbent  BJP is aiming to break a 38-year jinx in Karnataka  which has never voted an incumbent party to power since 1985. Retaining Karnataka is  crucial for the saffron party as it the only BJP-led state in the down south.

Even though it is unclear who will be the "king" in the only BJP-led southern state, local reports indicate that JD(S) may become either Congress or BJP's go-to card when it comes to forming a government. In 2018, the JD (S) joined forces with the Congress to establish a coalition government in the state after the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP was unable to secure a majority on the floor despite winning the most seats.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai exuded confidence in Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) return to power in Karnataka.
"There is no chance of a hung Assembly, we are going to form the government comfortably. Let him (DK Shivakumar) be happy with his 141 seats till tomorrow. We will have a legislature party meeting to decide the Chief Ministerial face," Chief Minister Bommai told reporters on Friday.

Section 144 has been imposed in capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru ahead of  vote counting.  The Bengaluru police has clamped down restrictions on counting day to avoid untoward incidents. Section 144 will be imposed in the entire district from 6 am on Saturday to 12 am on Sunday.

The Karnataka elections 2023 are scheduled for May 10 and the results of the polls will be announced on May 13. Voting will take place between 7 am and 6 pm and as many as 2,615 candidates are in the fray in 224 assembly constituencies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, and the Congress, led by Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are the top contenders in Karnataka, while the Janata Dal (Secular), led by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's son HD Kumaraswamy, is likely to play kingmaker.  READ FULL STORY HERE. 

The battle-ready BJP with its well-oiled election machine ran its campaign with a blitzkrieg by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Assembly elections in Karnataka that votes on Wednesday. READ FULL STORY HERE. 

Wresting power from the BJP will be a morale booster for the Congress, key for reviving its electoral fortunes and strengthen its credentials as the main opposition player against the saffron party, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. READ FULL STORY HERE. 

Will the 2023 Karnataka Assembly polls be a battle of political survival for former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) or will the regional party once again emerge as a 'king' or a 'kingmaker', like it did in 2018, in the event of a hung verdict? Political circles are abuzz with this debate before the past couple of elections, and this time is no different. READ FULL STORY HERE. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and state Congress president D K Shivakumar visited Anjaneya temples on Tuesday, a day ahead of Assembly polls. READ FULL STORY HERE. 

"Today, we are complaining about the ad given by the Congress party in leading newspapers from 5th May onwards. So we have brought the case before the court stating that the ad is malicious and defamatory in nature and will cause harm to BJP. That’s why we have given notice to the Congress party. The Election Commission has also notified the Congress party to withdraw the ad. But till today they haven’t done that, so we are filing a criminal defamation case against them. Rahul Gandhi has also tweeted about this so, he is also made a party in this," said Keshav Prasad, Karnataka state secretary of BJP. 

CLP Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief DK Shivakumar visited the famous Chamundeswari temple (Mysore) and offered their special prayers to goddess Chamundeswari.

They also carried the Congress guarantee cards along with them and placed it on the feet of the deity.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said the people of the state have already decided to vote for BJP. "We believe in Lord Hanuman and Ram, they are our source of strength. What Hanuman is for Ram, Bajrang Dal is for Bajrang Bali".

The Election Commission of India’s thrust on “inducement-free” elections from the past few elections, has continued and led to sustained efforts for election expenditure monitoring in the poll-going state of Karnataka. The recorded seizures in the State mark a significant 4.5 times increase as compared to Assembly Election in 2018. Strict vigil, extensive monitoring, coordination with neighbouring states and inter-agency coordination has led to checking the flow and distribution of inducements in Karnataka this time. 

Union Minister and BJP MP from Dharwad constituency, Pralhad Joshi along with members of VHP was seen reciting Hanuman Chalisa in Hanuman temple located in Nagashetti Koppa, Hubballi of Karnataka.

Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar was seen offering prayers at Anjaneya Swami Temple in Bengaluru's KR market area a day ahead of polls.

A VHP member, Abhishek said that he along with other members of the organisation was stopped from reciting Hanuman Chalisa by a team of the Election Commission in Bengaluru's Vijaya Nagar today citing the imposition of Sec 144 CrPC in the area for Karnataka elections.

A day ahead of assembly polls, flying squads of EC conduct raids on a hotel owned by Congress candidate Yasir Ahmed Khan, pitted against CM Bommai at Shiggaon. With a day left for assembly polls, raids were conducted at the Hotel and residence of Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, Congress candidate for Shiggaon, pitted against Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. 

The raids were conducted yesterday night by FST and ARO officials at a hotel owned by the Congress candidate and also at the residence of his relatives.

After a 2-hour search, an amount of 6lakh was seized from Yasir Khan's hotel. The Congress candidate accused Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai behind the raid conducted by election officials.

Bajrang Dal holds a protest in Bengaluru as Election Commission asked to stop the recital of the Hanuman Chalisa citing the Model code of conduct as section 144 has been imposed. The Bajrang Dal has stated that the Hanuman Chalisa is just prayer and has no connection with the elections.

Ban Bajrang Dal row escalates in the poll-bound Karnataka, CM Basavaraj Bommai along with his supporters recites Hanuman Chalisa at Hanuman Mandir in Hubbali's Vijay Nagar.

The BJP government in Goa has declared May 10 as a paid holiday, which will also cover private establishments and industrial workers, in view of voting for the Assembly polls scheduled in neighbouring Karnataka. However, the Pramod Sawant government's decision has not gone down well with Opposition parties and industry bodies.

Goa State Industries Association said they may have to take legal recourse against the holiday. But, a senior official from Goa Chief Minister's Office said it is a practice to give a holiday when there are elections in neighbouring states. He claimed a holiday was declared in Karnataka on the day of polling in Goa last year. READ MORE

As the row over Karnataka's "sovereignty" remark escalated with the BJP on Monday moving the Election Commission seeking an FIR against Sonia Gandhi and her party's derecognition, the poll panel asked the Congress to clarify and rectify the party's social media post attributed to Gandhi.

The EC sent a letter to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge after the BJP complaint regarding a tweet that appeared on the official Twitter handle of the Indian National Congress on May 6.

In its complaint, the BJP has alleged, "Karnataka is a very important member state in the Union of India and any call to protect the sovereignty of a member state of the Union of India amounts to a call for secession and is fraught with perilous & pernicious consequences.” The BJP also alleged in its complaint to the EC that the tweet is violative of the mandatory oath undertaken by the political parties under section 29A (5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 at the time of registration.

Just a day ahead of the Karnataka elections, prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted a video message for the people of the poll-bound state. He was also heard speaking in Kannada.

The Election Commission on Monday issued a notice to the BJP's Karnataka president Nalin Kumar Kateel for publishing an advertisement in an English daily with "unsubstantiated" claims, as alleged by the Congress.

"BJP has been asked to show reasons and provide verifiable and traceable facts by 2000 hrs of May 9, 2023, for the claims cited in the advertisement and explain why action shouldn't be initiated against them for violating the MCC and relevant legal provisions under R P Act and IPC," read the notice from ECI.

The Commission received a complaint on May 8 from Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, claiming that the BJP published an advertisement in an English daily on May 8, making unsubstantiated claims about the Congress.

"While the Commission notes that the criticism of the policy and governance of the opposition parties is a right guaranteed enshrined in the constitution as well as an essential function of various political actors under our electoral process. However, while exercising this right and performing this essential function, the various political parties are expected to uphold high standards of public discourse and adhere to the various provisions of MCC and relevant laws," the poll panel said in its statement.

The high-voltage campaign for the May 10 assembly elections in Karnataka ended on Monday with top leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding 19 public meetings and six roadshows while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi camped in the state for 12 days.

All three major political parties in the state - the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) have put all their efforts to woo the voters, making promises and launching accusations at each other to secure a majority in the state's 224-seat Assembly. The Karnataka assembly will go to polls on May 10 and the counting of votes will take place on May 13. The majority mark to form the government is 113 seats.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu ahead of Karnataka Elections 2023 said, "In politics, a lot of things are said during elections...These are political tools to cause distractions...It needs to be seen that one has to cast a vote on the issue of unemployment, inflation, corruption...Voters are smart."

Expressing confidence that BJP will come to power in Karnataka with a full majority, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that state and central governments have together worked for the development of the state and there were several infrastructure projects in the pipeline which will be completed in the next five years.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Shah said Siddaramaiah should clarify that if Congress increases the reservation for Muslims from 4 per cent to 6 per cent, then whose reservation it will cut down. He said the Congress leader should make the party's stand clear before the campaign for Karnataka polls ends on Monday.

Hundreds of BJP workers gather outside Madiwala police station. BJP workers demand arrest of Manjunath Reddy and his son Lithesh Reddy. BJP Yuva morcha state treasurer Anil Shetty inside the police station demanding cops to arrest Manjunath Reddy. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and Annamalai also present at the police station. 

Slamming the grand old party for its leader Sonia Gandhi's remarks on sovereignty, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda stated that, "Congress stands with Tukde Tukde gang."

Amid a row over Karnataka Congress manifesto mentioning the ban on Bajrang Dal, BJP chief JP Nadda says, "They themselves mentioned the ban. When they said, people showed them the result. If you use such words to appease someone & decide that the other side should not react, it can't happen..."

"Reservation on religious lines is not right. Congress is doing vote bank politics by seeking to restore 4 per cent reservation for Muslims. The BJP has made policies and extended all developmental policies across Karnataka," said Amit Shah. 

"Our friend Siddaramaiah will lose the Varuna segment as BJP candidate V Somanna will register win. People have decided to vote for Somanna in May 10 polls. The BJP will form the government in Karnataka without any support. We will win with more than 131 seats," said Yediyurappa. 

"By referring to ‘Karnataka’s sovereignty’, Sonia Gandhi Ji, you have revealed the Congress’s deep conspiracy to disintegrate India. People have not forgotten how the Congress government, going against public sentiment, mischievously introduced a separate flag for Karnataka to mock our allegiance to the ‘One Nation, One Flag’. Neither Sonia Gandhi Ji nor her party ever accepted India as a nation. Kannadigas will foil the Congress’s game plan," said Anurag Thakur.  

"Mallikarjun Khage said that we invited secular forces to join hands, but there is no understanding of Congress with the SDPI. We have no ties with the SDPI. There will also be no divide in the vote bank with SDPI and AIMIM contesting the elections as the Muslim vote bank is with the Congress," said two-time MLA and Congress leader Prasad Abbiah. 

BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje on Monday lodged a complaint to the Election Commission against Congress over Sonia Gandhi's 'The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka’s sovereignty' remark. She said, "Sonia Gandhi had commented about the sovereignty of Karnataka and the nation. Earlier, anti-social elements used such language against the nation in Delhi and Kashmir. Now, she is using the same language. She has insulted our land. What is her intention?" 

After a BJP worker Harinath was allegedly attacked by the Congress workers, the Karnataka BJP unit opened up an all-out attack on the party, accusing it of murder, robbery, extortion, and assault. Taking to Twitter, the BJP said, "Harinath himself said that ex-mayor Manjunath Reddy and his gang of goons had carried out the deadly attack yet it is regrettable that no action has been taken against those goons. We demand that the Election Commission and Police authorities take legal action." 

The Congress party workers on Monday conducted an outreach programme in Bengaluru to spread their five key poll promises among the citizens. Taking to Twitter, party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Over a lakh hard-working people & Congress Workers today did a massive reach out programme across 500 places in #Bengaluru spreading the 5 Congress Guarantees. The gig workers & unorganised workers of Bengaluru here spreading the word." 

All the political parties contesting elections in the upcoming Karnataka polls have been asked by the Election Commission of India to get "clearance" from the media certification and monitoring committee (MCMC) before publishing any advertisement in the print media on the date of polling and a day prior.

Touching upon the Bajrang Dal politics, Union Minister VK Singh said, "Congress made a narrative for itself that it does not like the religion that people of this country follow and that is 'Sanatan Dharma'. Congress vote bank politics has spoiled relations between communities." 

Taking to Twitter, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya alleged the Congress for attacking a BJP worker in the BTM Layout area. "Our karyakarta Harinath is brutally assaulted by Congress rowdies in BTM Layout. He is now in the hospital. A similar attempt on his life was made earlier 2 years ago. Harinath has clearly mentioned that he was assaulted by ex-corporator Manjunath Reddy. Yet no action till now." 

"Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had a Congress DNA. Now, he has changed his blood," said DK Shivakumar.

The high voltage campaign for the May 10 Assembly elections in Karnataka will come to an end on Monday as all three major political parties in the state -- BJP, Congress and JD(S) -- are busy making their last pitch to woo the voters.

No party or candidate shall publish any advertisement in the print media on poll day and one day prior without clearance from the media certification and monitoring committee, the Election Commission said on Sunday in an advisory ahead of the May 10 voting in Karnataka.

Campaign for the Karnataka assembly elections is set to end at 5 pm on Monday.

In the advisory to political parties, the poll authority also emphasised on "clean and serious" campaign as electioneering reached feverish pitch in the southern state. It noted that advertisements of offending and misleading nature vitiate the entire election process.

On complaints against advertisements in the media, the Commission said national parties and star campaigners were duty bound to adhere to the expected standards of campaign discourse.

In a separate letter to editors, the Election Commission (EC) made it clear to them that the Press Council of India's norms for journalistic conduct hold them responsible for all matters, including advertisements, published in their newspapers.

Election Commission asks political parties to refrain from making unverified claims during poll campaigns. 

Addressing a poll rally in Mysuru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The royal family of Congress works against the interest of the country... They secretly meet the diplomats of countries which are against India. Yesterday, they said they want to protect the sovereignty of Karnataka. It means they are openly advocating to part Karnataka from India."

Addressing a rally in Mysuru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "In the last nine years, India has come out of being a 'Fragile Five' economy to become the 5th largest economy in the world. During this time, India made new records in exports and FDI. Karnataka is among the states that attract the highest FDI. However, Karnataka wasn't able to take advantage of this when Congress and JDS govt ruled Karnataka."

"Today, Congress is distributing false guarantees. However, they should tell what happened to the 'Garibi Hatao' guarantee they gave around five decades ago. Their biggest guarantee given by their top leader has become a big lie," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing a poll rally in Mysuru.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and its youth wing Bajrang Dal on Sunday said that have decided to chant Hanuman Chalisa' on May 9 throughout the country, which happens to be a day before the Karnataka Assembly elections.

The call comes as a counter to the Congress party which in its manifesto released last week said it was committed to taking  firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste and religion.
 

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said only his "jacket" is famous and he changes it four times a day.

Raking up the issue of RSS and the BJP's "contribution" to India's independence, Kharge, who hails from this district, claimed that when the Congressmen were sacrificing their lives, RSS leaders were busy getting plum government posts.
 

Addressing a poll rally in Shivamogga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Both politics and development work of Congress are only on paper. They can never develop Karnataka. They are just peddling lies. Women of Karnataka were completely neglected by the Congress govt in past. They have done no development work for the farmers. BJP has worked for the farmers of the state. Now all the lies of Congress are fully exposed and BJP will form govt with full majority."

Women will lead India to glory in the 21st century, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a campaign rally in Karnataka.

"Congress is dividing people in the name of caste and religion but we are asking people to vote for us in the lines of development and people will vote for us," says Goa CM Pramod Sawant in Belagavi, Karnataka.

'The Kerala Story' row has now reached the poll-bound Karnataka as the National President of BJP Yuva Morcha, Tejasvi Surya is all set to hold a special screening of 'the movie. The national President of the saffron party, JP Nadda will attend the screening. 

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel in Bengaluru said, "Himanta Biswa Sarma changed his party. No one is greedy as much as he is. Congress party has given him the identity... What is his morality to accuse Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi".

Congress leader Jagadish Shettar is confident of his victory in the upcoming polls. He said, "This time, people's blessings are with me. More people are coming to support me. So, I will win by a huge margin. Sonia Gandhi's and Rahul Gandhi's presence has definitely given us a boost".

A day after Congress claimed BJP is hatching a plot to kill the party president Mallikarjun Kharge on the basis of an audio recording, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said an investigation would be conducted to find out the authenticity. 

Responding to this, MLA Priyank Kharge said, "Let BJP clarify, let them investigate. If he (BJP candidate Manikanta Rathod) has not done anything, why is he afraid of an investigation? I am not the one who is alleging that he is plotting to kill my family, he has already said in a press conference in November that he intends to shoot me".

BJP National President JP Nadda held a roadshow in Harapanahalli, Karnataka

As PM Modi concluded his mega roadshow in Bengaluru, here's a glimpse how people came out in support of the Prime Miniser. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his roadshow from Bengaluru's Kempegowda statue at New Tippasandra Road to Trinity Circle.

Congress MLA Priyank Kharge's aide under I-T radar, raids underway in poll-bound Karnataka.

Prime Minister Modi gets massive reception on the second day of his roadshow as people welcomed him with slogans and showered him with flowers. People gathered in huge numbers carrying musical instruments including drums to get a glimpse of the Prime Minister who also held a nearly 26 km roadshow yesterday in the city covering nearly 13 constituencies.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma during his public meeting in Mangaluru ahead of Karnataka polls launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi and his family. He said, "Rahul Gandhi is giving a guarantee to the people of Karnataka, but who will take the guarantee of Rahul Gandhi...Sonia Gandhi has been fighting alone for the last 20 years to make Rahul Gandhi stand, now this person (Rahul Gandhi) comes and gives guarantee to the people of Karnataka?"

Union Home Minister Amir Shah holds a roadshow in the Belagavi South Assembly constituency.

On day 2 of the mega roadshow in Bengaluru, PM Modi started from the Kempegowda statue at New Tippasandra Road and will end at Trinity Circle.

Union Home Home Minister Amit Shah to hold roadshow and 6 public programmes in poll-bound Karnataka.

BJP national President JP Nadda to address public meetings in Karnataka in the last leg of the campaign.

PM Modi begins his second phase of Mega roadshow in Bengaluru as he received grand welcome by the people of the poll-bound state.

Preparations are underway for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second phase of the roadshow today in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Veerashaiva Lingayat forum issued an official letter extending its support to Congress in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections on May 10. Forum urged the people of the Lingayat community to vote for Congress.

Congress leaders Shamanur Shivashankarappa and Jagadish Shettar met Lingayat Seers in Hubbali, Karnataka.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot responded on the issue of religious slogans being used in Karnataka Assembly Election campaigning stating that PM Modi should be banned. He said, "Election Commission should ban Prime Minister Narendra Modi from campaigning in the election. You can read the law. Will someone invoke religion during campaigning? They are banned...PM is saying all this openly, he should be banned from campaigning."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today hold the second phase of his mega roadshow. On Saturday, a total of 26 km long distance was covered. He will also address public meetings in Shivamogga rural, Nanjangud and will perform darshan and puja at Shri Srikanteshwara Swami temple in Nanjangud.

BJP National President JP Nadda participated in public meetings and road shows held at various places on Saturday. BJP candidate from Maddur Constituency S.P. Swami Gowda, Chintamani constituency candidate Shri Venugopal and Bagepally Constituency candidate Shri C. Muniraju appealed to public for votes.

Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Bajrang Bali controversy in Karnataka ahead of the assembly election, Telangana Minister KTR said, "How badly they’re (BJP leaders) speaking, public has given them mandate for five years but they don’t have anything to say about what did they do. See we  (BJP leaders) did this, we built temple, we built school, no nothing they (BJP leaders) have to say. What are they (BJP leaders) saying JAI BAJRANGBALI and asking for votes. They only recall deity’s when polls are scheduled. Rest they neglect and cheat deity also. That’s why I’m requesting you, today in this Telangana we are getting water. If we give chance to these waste parties again these leaders will bring days where blood will flow. My farmers and brothers should think whether they want Telangana burning with religion issues or green fields." 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday came out hard against the Congress party and said that all the party's lies have been lost in the wave of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

Addressing a public meeting in Haveri, PM Modi said, "The people of Congress who were trying to make their party's wave through lies in Karnataka, their lies are now lost in the BJP wave. Those who think Congress still has something left in Karnataka must come and see here." 

Hitting out at the grand old party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supremo and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "In Karnataka the people of Congress who were trying to make their party's wave through lies, their lies are now lost in the BJP wave. Those who think Congress still has something left in Karnataka please come & see...the OBC & Lingayat community is very sad & angry with the abuse by senior leaders of Congress."

"The Congress party, which is showing an anti-Hindu attitude by saying that they will ban the Bajrang Dal from doing social service, is soft on the anti-social forces like PFI and is doing the politics of appeasement. But BJP will take action to end the evil spirits. This is the difference between the nationalist BJP and the foreign puppet Congress," said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and UP CM Adiyanath. 

Prime Minister Modi thanked the people of Bengaluru for the special welcome in the poll-bound state and exuded confidence for BJP's victory. Taking to Twitter, PM said, "If only words could describe what I just saw in Bengaluru! I bow to the people of this vibrant city for showering me with affection that I will cherish for my entire life. Here are some glimpses".

He further said, "It is clear Bengaluru wants BJP. This city believes that our Party will continue delivering on good governance and development".

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed a public meeting in Savadatti Yellamma, Karnataka. He said, "On May 13, BJP is going to form the government with an absolute majority. Had you all made this possible in the last elections, your State would not have suffered the pains of the impure alliance of Congress & JD(S)."

At PM Modi's roadshow, the people of Karnataka showcased their support to the Prime Minister. A person revealed the tattoo of PM Modi and CM Yogi on his hands while a child was seen flaunting PM's hand-made portrait. 

Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath addressed a public rally in Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru ahead of polls. He said, "I have come from the land of Lord Hanuman. Some people do not like the concept of "Ek Bharat Shreth Bharat". Congress has encouraged PFI and anti-national elements and is now talking about banning Bajrang Dal. They are hurting Hindu sentiments"

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma during his poll campaign in Karnataka's Gonikoppa called KPCC Chief DK Shivakumar relative of Tipu Sultan. While addressing the rally, CM Sarma said, "DK Shivakumar is a family member of Tipu Sultan. If Congress will regain power, Karnataka will become a PFI valley".

From children to senior citizens, people from every age group gathered to witness a glimpse of Prime Minister Modi at his Mega roadshow in Bengaluru. 

Amid the Bajrang Dal ban row, the people of Karnataka gave a befitting reply to Congress as Bajrangi slogans echo at the roadshow. Lord Hanuman's presence was also marked at the rally as a party worker dressed up as Bahjrangbali while children wore the mask of the diety.

PM Modi received grand and special reception in Bengaluru as the crowd chanted 'Modi Modi' and showered flowers on him as he holds a roadshow. 

HD Kumaraswamy, former chief minister of Karnataka and Janata Dal (Secular) leader in an exclusive conversation with Republic TV slammed Congress for targeting BJP for corruption and reminded Siddaramaih's tenure. 

Kumaraswamy said, "What moral rights does the Congress have to criticise BJP's corruption issue? When Siddaramaih was the cm everyone knows how they ran the government and what corruption existed then. And how they have looted the people. 

On being asked about the grand old party's manifesto promise to ban Bajrang Dal, Kumaraswamy said, "Why did Congress not ban Bajrang Dal when they were in power? Now it is an election gimmick. 

The JDS leader also addressed the minority reservation issue and said, "Removal of 4% reservation is completely illegal. There is no implementation by BJP. I will implement the reservation for downtrodden Muslims. They are announcing these things without applying their mind. 

PM Modi's most awaited mega roadshow commenced in Bengaluru as the Prime Minister received a grand reception from the people of the poll-bound state. PM Modi will cover 26 km in the first place and will continue the rally tomorrow. He will also address two public meetings today.

WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Bengaluru ahead of Karnataka elections here:-

A huge crowd has gathered on the streets and Artists are seen performing in Bengaluru as they prepare for PM Modi's massive reception.

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala levelled massive allegations against the saffron party stating that they are planning to murder Congress president Malikarjun Kharge. He said, "BJP leaders are now hatching a plot to murder Mallikarjun Kharge and his family members. This is now clear from the recording of BJP's candidate from Chittapur who also happens to be the blue-eyed boy of PM Modi and CM Bommai".

Minister of Revenue of Karnataka, Jalahalli Ramaiah Ashoka exuded confidence in bjp's victory ahead of PM Modi's mega roadshow. he said, "We are confident of our victory. People are excited to meet the Prime Minister. People won't accept Congress in Karnataka".

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai expressed his gratitude and welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his mega roadshow which will begin shortly. Taking to Twitter, Bommai said, "Karnataka is privileged to host Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji, the catalyst for India's strength and security. We are committed to realise your dream of #PoornaBahumata4BJP in Karnataka".

Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and shared the BJP's list of achievements in every sector be it healthcare, housing and sanitation. He tweeted, "Be it healthcare, housing and sanitation, there have been significant gains in Bengaluru. This has led to improved living standards for several people. A vital aspect of ‘Ease of Living’ is proper transport infrastructure. Our Government has delivered futuristic projects for improved connectivity and greater prosperity.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi listed the achievements of the saffron party which they achieved over the last 4 years that has transformed many lives.

BJP's achieves meant in the Housing sector 

 "In line with the sentiments of the people, we will continue to devote topmost priority to better roads, more effective traffic management systems, effective drainage systems and building top quality infrastructure. Here are some of our present efforts in this regard".

BJP on technology or transportation

BJP's Devlopment initiatives 

Ahead of the mega roadshow in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and highlighted the bond between the BJP and the people of the city.

He tweeted, "In a short while, I will be commencing the roadshow across parts of Bengaluru to interact with the people of the city. The bond between Bengaluru and BJP is an old and strong one. This city has supported our party since the early days and we have made numerous efforts for its growth".

In yet another tweet, PM said, "We are seeking the blessings of the people of Bengaluru based on our track record as well as a promise to build further on the gains achieved so far. It is our endeavour to make Karnataka the Number 1 state and also add unparalleled momentum to Bengaluru’s growth trajectory".

People of Karnataka gear up ahead of PM Modi's mega roadshow in the poll-bound state's Bengaluru city. The supporters gathered on streets showcasing placards and posters of PM. 

Congress MP KC Venugopal launched an attack on the Basavaraj Bommai-led government in a poll-bound state stating, "The basic issue in this election is, in the last 3 years the state has lost governance. They (BJP) know that people here realise that the most corrupt government Karnataka has ever seen is this government. This is the reason why the PM is not uttering a single word over corruption, he is just trying to divert the issues. Karnataka needs good governance for the people here, for the farmers, youth and women, which we are going to provide".

BJP National President JP Nadda was seen meeting and interacting with the sages and seers in Sedam, Karnataka.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah's public programs in Karnataka on 6th May 2023.

JP Nadda to hold three roadshows in poll-bound Karnataka--Mandya and Chikkaballapura

Brashtasamhara Campaign launched by Congress in Varuna ahead of the polls. Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah and KPCC president DK Shivakumar hit out against the allegedly corrupt government by setting ablaze the 10-foot effigy of "40% sarkara Brastachara" with a bow and arrow during their campaign at Narasipur in Varuna. The party cadres who gathered there chanted slogans against the 40% BJP sarkara.

Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah said Friday that there is no possibility of an alliance with HD Kumaraswamy's Janata Dal (Secular). In an exclusive conversation with Republic, Siddaramaiah exuded confidence in the Congress party winning a majority in the Karnataka Assembly elections 2023. Asked if the Congress is considering an alliance with JD(S), Siddaramaiah said, "Alliance with the JD(S) does not arise at all." 

Siddaramaiah's announcement is significant because Congress and JD(S) have formed governments in alliance on at least a couple of occasions. In the 2018 Assembly elections, the Congress won 80 seats in the 224-member Assembly while the JD(S) won 37 seats. Bharatiya Janata Party won 104 seats, emerging as the single-largest party in the state yet falling short of the majority mark. READ MORE

All the political parties have intensified their campaigns to woo voters ahead of the May 10 Karnataka assembly polls. For the first time, three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family will be seen in the electoral battleground campaigning for their outfit. In the midst of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's ongoing campaign trail in Karnataka, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi will campaign in Hubbali on Saturday. 

Notably, the Nehru-Gandhi family has a long connection with the southern state of Karnataka. During a by-poll in 1978, Indira Gandhi emerged victorious from the Chikmagalur seat. Making a debut in electoral politics, Sonia Gandhi also fought from Karnataka's Ballari seat. However, she kept the Amethi segment as her safe seat during the same elections. READ MORE

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he is in competition for the Chief Minister's post if the grand old party wins the Karnataka elections. In an exclusive interview with Republic TV, he said, "I am in the competition to become Chief Minister and the newly elected MLAs will decide, the people want to see me as Chief Minister. There is no fight with DK Shivakumar and he can be in the competition."

This exposes the tension rising within the Karnataka Congress for the position of Chief Minister as a few days ago on May 2, Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar also spoke openly about his aspirations for the Chief Ministerial post. READ MORE

BJP has organised a massive 36-mile mega roadshow in Bengaluru featuring prime minister narendra modi on May 6, only four days before the Karnataka assembly election on May 10. The roadshow, which is set to take place on May 6, will take place in two parts throughout the Lok sabha constituencies of Bengaluru Central and Bengaluru South.

A massive roadshow will be held today in Bengaluru covering at least 18 assembly constituencies in the city. PM Modi's roadshow will be held in Bengaluru Central from 10 am to 12.30 pm.

The roadshow will start from JP Nagar brigade millennium, Sarakki junction, south end circle, krishna rao park, Ramakrishna ashram, Makkala Koota, Town hall, Kaveri Bhawan, majestic, Agadi road, gt world mall, housing board, Basaveshwara nagar, Shankara math circle, modi hospital road, Navarang circle, Mahkav Kuvempu road, Malleswaram circle, Sapige road and Maramma temple circle.

On Sunday, PM Modi's roadshow will pass through Bemel Circle, Thippsandra main road, esi hospital, CMH Road, Indiranagar, Halasur police station, mg road and brigade road. Nearly 10 lakh people are expected to join PM Modi's roadshow over the weekend.

Amid the BJP's criticism of the Congress over its Karnataka poll promise of action against the Bajrang Dal, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said the ruling party was raking up the issue to divert people's attention from real problems. 

He asserted that the BJP would not succeed and the Congress would come to power in the state after the May 10 assembly polls.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday had tea at a roadside stall in Kalaburagi in poll-bound Karnataka.

Ahead of assembly elections, the Karnataka Congress party on Friday released a 'corruption rate card' depicting various 'scandals' of the ruling BJP government in the state, including a '40 per cent commission' charge by state contractors. 

While releasing the corruption rate card in both English and Kannada, Karnataka Congress party leaders alleged that the ruling BJP govt in the state has "looted" Rs 1,50,000 crore in the last four years. 

"The cost for the CM post is Rs 2,500 crores while the cost of a ministerial berth is Rs 500 crore," Congress said in its 'Corruption rate card'. 

"40 per cent sarkara has looted over Rs 1,50,000 crore from the people of Karnataka in the last 4 years," it alleged. 

The rate card with a specific mention about commission, read, "The government demands different deals. It begins with 30 per cent commission for the mutt grants, 40 per cent for road contracts and goes up to 75 per cent for the Covid-19 supplies." 
 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shares route map for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bengaluru rally on Saturday, May 6.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flayed the Congress for allegedly "hindering" the future of children by proposing to scrap the National Education Policy (NEP), which enables a child to pursue his or her studies in one's mother tongue.

Addressing an election rally in Tumakuru, the Prime Minister said NEP has been formulated to ensure that the lack of knowledge of English should not stop an economically weaker child from rural areas from becoming a doctor or an engineer.

Senior BJP leader B L Santhosh has said the Congress campaign in Karnataka peaked early while his party's electioneering is hitting the right chord at the right time and has put it on course to win a majority.

Speaking on a 'Twitter Space', the key BJP general secretary in charge of the party organisation described Bajrang Dal as a "nation-building force" and slammed the Congress for equating it with the banned Islamic outfit PFI, which he blamed for killing several of his party's workers.
 

In an exclusive conversation with Republic TV, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he is in competition for the CM's post if the grand old party wins the Karnataka elections.

"I am in the competition for CM. Newly elected MLAs will decide. People want to see me as CM. There is no fight with DK Shivakumar. He can be in the competition," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a public rally in Tumakuru, said, "So that the farmers are not burdened by the expensive fertilizer, the BJP govt buys it from around the world at Rs 50/kg, and gives it to the farmers at only Rs 5."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people while holding a roadshow in Karnataka's Tumakuru ahead of the state Assembly polls. Thousands gather to catch a glimpse of PM.

Addressing a rally in Tumakuru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Congress has become a slave of appeasement and vote-bank politics, and this Congress can never work for the welfare of Karnataka. It can never develop Karnataka. The people of Karnataka have understood the game of Congress and JDS. A vote to JDS will give Karnataka a weak and unstable govt, and a weak govt can never build a strong Karnataka."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his address at the public rally in Tumakuru by chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Bajrang Bali ki Jai".

"Rahul Gandhi is on Bail, Sonia Gandhi is on Bail & D. K. Shivakumar is on bail. Half on bail, half in jail & they talk about corruption. You (congress) withdrew cases against PFI, you demand a ban on Bajrang Dal, you involve in corruption, and you put a break in development work. That's why remember this If you vote for Congress, then you are voting for PFI’s return," BJP national president JP Nadda said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a massive roadshow in Karnataka's Tumakuru as the Karnataka elections date nears.

There is no question of banning the Bajrang Dal if it plays by the rule-book and behaves itself, senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said on Friday, as his party's manifesto proposing to outlaw the outfit continues to come under fire from the BJP.       
 

Former CM and LoP Siddaramaiah campaigns in Varuna constituency, along with actor BR Vijay Kumar aka Duniya Vijay and other actors.

"The double-engine govt under the leadership of Yeddyurappa ji and Bommai ji got a chance to serve for only three and a half yrs. When the Congress govt was here, it gave priority to corruption instead of Karnataka's development. What was the reason for this? Congress' former PM Rajiv Gandhi himself told that his govt sent 100 paise from Delhi, but only 15 paise reached the poor. In a way, he himself accepted that Congress is a party with 85% commission," said PM Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Ballari.

"The Kerala Story movie depicts how terror elements can emerge with back doors. There's a lot of discussion about the film," said PM Modi while targeting the Congress for opposing the film. 

"To win the elections, Congress creates false narratives on the basis of money. For the past many elections, by making false narratives like this, by getting false surveys done, it praises itself. Here in Karnataka also Congress was doing the same," said PM Modi. 

Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "Is it not true that Congress and SDPI have connections? SDPI encourages anti-national elements. Congress always hurts Hindu sentiment and the Hindu religion. The people of Karnataka are agitated due to Congress' poll promise." 

"Appeasement politics is drowning the Congress. Congress has always suffered whenever they called Hindu terrorism," said Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar's promise of new Hanuman temples in Karnataka. 

"Congress and SDPI are like siamese twins. In this video, Kasargod Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan is telling SDPI workers in Mangaluru: ‘we are all fighting against RSS and Muslims should not contest against Muslims and let them win’. Will @ECISVEEP take action?" said BJP MP Tejasvi Surya while sharing a video on Twitter. 

"Now whatever they do for damage control, nothing matters because their Anti-Hindu mindset is in front of all and the Congress will pay for this. No matter how much Veerappa Moily clarifies. It's being said now that they are against Hindus and softer towards anti-social forces," said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. 

Police detained BJP workers who gathered outside the Congress party office in Hyderabad to recite Hanuman Chalisa amid a row over the Congress manifesto mentioning the ban on Bajrang Dal. 

"Every house in India has a Lord Hanuman idol in it. By doing this kind of politics, they (BJP) are trying to get public attention which they are not getting in Karnataka," said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu in Delhi. 

Telangana unit of BJP chanted 'Hanuman Chalisa' on Friday in front of Congress' party office in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Congress leaders also raised slogans against the BJP. 

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Bommai Govt & BJP is busy in Hindu-Muslim & raising fake religious bogeys as the IT & Innovation hub Bengaluru suffers job losses. Cognizant to lay off 3,500 employees. The atmosphere of polarisation, violence & BJP-driven hate is driving away investment & jobs away from #Karnataka." 

After the Congress party in its election manifesto promised to ban Bajrang Dal if voted to power, BJP turncoat and Congress leader Jagadish Shettar stated that the state government can't ban Bajrang Dal. "Banning any organisation is not a subject of the state government. This is a matter of the Centre," said Shettar. Earlier, veteran Congress leader Veerappa Moily also cleared his stand by rejecting his party's poll promise to ban outfits like Bajrang Dal. 

"PM Modi asked the people of Karnataka to say ‘Jai Bajrangbali’ while casting vote. Congress’s DK Shivakumar said that if Congress comes back to power they will build more Hanuman temples in Karnataka. What kind of secularism is this? If I stand here and ask you to say ‘Allahu Akhbar’ when you cast vote on May 10, then media will slam me," Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM chief in Kolar.  

It's the first time that three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family have jumped into the election campaign fray in a state as party leaders woo the voters to bring the party to power in the southern state.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have campaigned extensively in Karnataka and Sonia Gandhi will address a public meeting in Hubbali on Saturday.  

Rs 4,04,94,500 unaccounted cash seized from a house and a car in Zion Hills by KGF Police under the direct supervision of SP Dr Dharani Devi. The money was kept allegedly for distribution among voters. Details awaited.

On recitation of Hanuman Chalisa by BJP leaders in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "...Hanuman Chalisa won't fill our stomach, Hanuman Chalisa won't eliminate unemployment...Their Govt is in trouble in Karnataka. Hanuman Chalisa is recited when one faces trouble. Their Govt is about to be ousted & is in trouble."

"We made a request to all Hindus today. We will read Hanuman Chalisa in every household and this will begin tomorrow..," says Union minister & BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje "Congress ruled Karnataka for 60 years. How many temples did they build? We fought for Ram Temple. Their leader Kapil Sibal opposed it...They are not going to do anything in Karnataka. This is just a political drama..," she says.

The Congress has filed complaint with the Elections Commission against the campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the Karnataka elections campaign. The grand old party is said to have filed one more complaint against BJP's KS Eshwarappa for 'burning Congress manifesto' and against PM Narendra Modi for "hurting sentiments." 

 "We have filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India against the campaign of the BJP, the way PM Modi is using Hindu gods and goddesses to seek votes and also the way his roadshows are causing inconvenience to the people. SC has already issued guidelines in this regard," said SA Ahmed, Congress Legal Cell, Bengaluru. 

The Congress has filed complaint with the Elections Commission against the campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the Karnataka elections campaign stating, "We have filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India against the campaign of the BJP, the way PM Modi is using Hindu gods and goddesses to seek votes and also the way his roadshows are causing inconvenience to the people. SC has already issued guidelines in this regard."

Three people sustained minor injuries after a tree fell on their car at Uttarahalli Main Road in Bengaluru. All of them were rescued: Civil Defence Division, Bengaluru

Slamming Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Bajrang Bali controversy, the AIMIM Chief said, "What happened to Model Code of Conduct? 92% of Class 3 kids in Karnataka cannot read Class 2 books. Only 3.6% kids in the state get minimum acceptable diet BJP & INC don’t want to talk about future of our kids. They’d rather compete over “Sabse Bada Hindu Kaun?."

Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We brought Article 371-J to the Hyderabad Karnataka part through constitutional amendment and gave special privileges to the people of 7 districts in the field of education, employment and health."

"But the BJP government did not do any development and did not give any grant except changing the name to Kalyan Karnataka. The achievement of the BJP government is that it took away the pro-people programs given by the Congress," he added. 

Karnataka is with PM Modi. In this nation, who will accept it if someone says that we will ban Bajrang Dal? How can they ban those who think for betterment of the country? Bajrang Dal has never done any anti-national activity. If you will talk about banning Bajrang Dal then all the Bajrangi who have blessings of lord Hanuman will show Congress its place, said Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis. 

After visiting Chamundeshwari temple in Mysore, DK Shivakumar expressed his commitment to the development of Anjaneya temples across the state if the Congress party comes to power. 

Recognizing the significance of Anjaneya's birthplace in the state, we will establish a special board to oversee the development of Anjanadri Hill and ensure its preservation.

Our party will also prioritize the construction of new Anjaneya temples in various parts of the state, reflecting our commitment to honoring the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. Additionally, we will organize specific programs aimed at educating the youth about the principles and values embodied by Lord Anjaneya.

While the BJP's record on the matter remains unclear, we firmly believe that the promotion of Anjaneya's legacy is essential for the spiritual and cultural upliftment of the state. Therefore, if elected, the Congress party will hold separate programs in the name of Anjaneya in each taluk to spread awareness about his teachings and inspire more people to follow his path, said DKS.

"BJP government is in power for 3 years. Whenever there is a new government it tries to create a new identity…. isn’t it sad & shameful that Karnataka BJP is known as “40% Sarkar”? This name was not given by any party, but was given by the contractors who were forced to commit suicide..." said Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra while addressing a public rally in Kanakagiri. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will now hold one of the biggest roadshows of Karnataka in two days instead of one day. Earlier, the roadshow was scheduled on May 6 in Bengaluru, but now it will be conducted on May 6 and 7. 

• May 6: PM Modi will start the roadshow at 10 am from New Thippasandra. It will conclude at the Brigade war memorial. 
• May 7:  PM Modi will begin the roadshow from Brigade Millenium at 10 am and it will conclude at 2.30 pm. 

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi while exclusively speaking to the Republic, exuded confidence in BJP's win in Karnataka polls. He said," The BJP in the May 10 polls will cross the magic number to return to power. The party will win over 130 to 135 seats out of 224. After PM Modi's campaign in the state, the entire scenario has changed."  

"We fight elections based on our programs, they fight elections on their promises. It is not right to stir up caste, religion and communal sentiments unnecessarily in elections, this shows the appeasement politics of Congress. The Congress party today is in the grip of SDPI and PFI, and it cannot get out of it," said Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai. 

"If we talk against SDPI, PFI, the Congress leaders will start to worry. PFI is another form of SDPI. Congress had openly sought the support of SDPI. SDPI and PFI grew strongly during the Congress period," he added. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, "We will win both the constituency from where BJP turncoat Jagadish Shettar and Laxman Savadi are contesting. There is no dent in the BJP after these leaders left the party. Congress is a Gangotri of corruption. We're confident to win this election." 

In an unverified video that has now gone viral on social media platforms shows Congress workers distributing money among voters. In the background noise, someone can be heard saying 'Vote for Zameer Ahmed.' He is Congress' candidate in the May 10 Karnataka assembly polls for Chamrajpet constituency. BJP has lodged a complaint over this video with Karnataka police and the Election Commission of India. 

Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are playing caste politics in Karnataka. They should be arrested," said BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Eshwarappa. While commenting on Congress' promise to ban Bajrang Dal, he said, "Bajrang Dal is a nationalist organisation. Congress is claiming it to be a communal organisation, which is false." 

"The state govt doesn't have the power to ban PFI or Bajrang dal. DK shivkumar will give clarity on the same. The proposal was never with us in the centre or state, we have gone by the Supreme Court judgement to stop hate politics, it may have been inserted because of that, but I can tell as a leader that we have no proposal to ban Bajrang Dal," said former CM and Congress leader Veerappa Moily. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, May 5, will hold two public programmes in Ballary and Tumakur Assembly constituencies in view of the upcoming Karnataka polls, scheduled for May 10. 

In view of the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a mega 36.6-km-long road show in Bengaluru on May 6. According to sources, PM Modi's road show will be held in two instalments from 11 am to 1 pm covering 10.1 km and then from 4 pm to 10 pm covering 26.5 km. 

The 'Namma Karnataka' road show will cover 17 Assembly constituencies in Bengaluru. 
 

Bajrang Dal has decided to perform 'Hanuman pooja' and recite 'Hanuman Chalisa' at over 100 locations in the entire state over the next couple of days, as a mark of protest to Congress' poll promise to ban the outfit in Karnataka for promoting 'enmity and hatred.'

I'm very happy that PM Modi came here to Ankola. This is the first time a PM came here. We were very happy, and our children were very excited to see him. I gave my love and blessing to him," said Sukri Bommagowda, Padma award recipient, on meeting PM Modi. 

Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi to debut in the campaign for #KarnatakaElections2023 on 6th May. She will be addressing a rally in Hubbali district that day. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Padma award recipients Tulsi Gowda and Sukri Bommagowda from Karnataka, at Ankola in Uttara Kannada district on Wednesday, May 3. Pictures of the Karnataka tribal activists greeting Prime Minister were widely shared on social media. Tulsi Gowda is an environmentalist and Sukri Bommagowda is a Halakki tribal folk artiste. READ FULL STORY HERE. 

Poll body acts tough on Priyank Kharge for his Nalayak Beta jibe. Complaint has been filed against Priyank Kharge under section 500 and 504. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje had filed complaint with EC. 

Election Commission of India issues show cause notices to BJP MLA & star campaigner Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) for making a personal attack remark against a rival party leader along with issuing same to Congress MLA Priyank Kharge after receiving complaint that he used abusive language against the Prime Minister

Coming down heavily on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Karnataka Elections, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said, "Election is nearing in Karnataka, when will you(BJP) talk about the issues affecting Karnataka’s people… They (BJP) always spread communal hatred among different religions of society…They follow the British principle of divide and rule to come to power." 

"The Congress told that they would provide broadband to the villages of our country. They only brought it to 100 villages, the BJP has brought it to 2 Lakh villages. Tell me, do you want a 100 village government or a 2 Lakh village government?," said Prime Mininster Modi. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Bailhongal launched a scathing attack on the Congress and JD(S). He said, "Congress cannot make their future, how will they make the future of the people of the state."

"You are my family, your happiness and sorrow is mine. Congress-JDS parties will only develop them. Congress is in power in some states, but those there also want change," he added. 

"The enthusiasm shown by the people of Karnataka sends one message - It has decided that it wants a stable, progressive BJP government in the state," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

PM Modi holds massive rally in Bailhongal Belagavii. It is the third rally in poll-bound Karnataka. Since February this year, this is PM Modi's ninth visit to Karnataka where Assembly elections to 224 seats are due on May 10, and results on May 13.

The Bajrang Dal has decided to conduct 'Hanuman Chalisa' recital programmes across Karnataka on Thursday, a day after the Congress promised in its election manifesto to ban the outfit.

The opposition Congress, in its manifesto for the May 10 Assembly election in Karnataka, said it was committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste and religion.

I am a devotee of lord Hanuman. Bajrangdal is different, bajrang bali is different. Don't try to divert the people. Bajrangdal is an outfit which creates law and order issue. People of Karnataka knows the difference clearly

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, May 3 met Tulsi Gowda and Sukri Bommagowda who both are the Padma recipients from the poll-bound Karnataka.  

The Income Tax (IT) department on Wednesday conducted raids at Karnataka Congress candidate Ashok Kumar Rai’s brother K Subrahmanya Rai’s residence in Mysuru: Sources

Hitting out at the Congress and JD(S), during his rally in the poll-bound Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "During the Congress JD (S) government, 30,000 crores of foreign investment (FDI) used to come annually. Investment increased to 90,000 thousand crores annually in 3 years after the formation of the double engine government."

As Congress raked up a row after announcing the banning of Bajrang Dal in the Congress manifesto, VHP and Bajrang Dal are going to chant Hanuman Chalisa tomorrow evening in all temples as a mark of protest. The chants will begin on the morning of May 4 at 10 am. Bajrang Dal will go to all Hanuman temples across the state and will chant Hanuman Chalisa at 7 PM

PM Modi addressed the second public meeting of the day in Ankola.

PM Modi to hold mega roadshows in Bengaluru on May 6 under mission Bengaluru on May 6 which will cover 17 assembly constituencies. 

BJP has laid the plan for Big Modi Roadshows in Bengaluru on May 6 as the PM will cover 36.6 Km across 17 assembly constituencies in Bengaluru. The first phase will begin from 11 AM to 1 PM while the second phase will begin from 4 PM to 10 PM. Around 10 lakh people are expected to attend the rally

The first Phase will begin from Suranjandas Road and will pass through Mahadevpura, KR Puram, Shivajinagar, CV Raman Nagar and Shantinagar and will end at the war memorial on Brigade Road.

At 4 PM the second phase will begin in Bengaluru South from Brigade Millenium and will cover Bengaluru South, Padmanabhanagar, Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, Chickpet, Gandhinagar, Mahalakshmi Layout, Vijayanagar, Govindrajnagar, Rajajinagar and Malleswaram

Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar slammed Congress for drawing a parallel between Bajrang Dal and PFI stating that the grand old party is playing politics of polarization. The Congress has announced a ban on Bajrang Dal on the lines of PFI in its Karnataka Election 2023 manifesto. "It is the worst form of appeasement to equate bajrang dal with PFI".

Bajrang Dal has escalated protest from Karnataka to Hyderabad a day after Congress announced a ban on the organisation on the lines of PFI in its Karnataka Election 2023 manifesto. Police were seen detaining Bajrang Dal members protesting against Congress' Karnataka election manifesto, in front of the party office in Hyderabad.  

PM Modi highlighted that India which was under British rule has now managed to overtake the UK and become 5th largest economy in the world. 

PM said, "We became the 5th largest economy in the world overtaking even the UK which has ruled us for over two centuries! This proud accomplishment would not have been possible without your support; and in order to reach 3rd place, I need your further help! To make India achieve this big feat of becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world, you need to vote for the BJP".

PM Modi took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remark in London during his speech in Mudbidri. He said BJP wants to make Karnataka the Number-1 State in each and every field of Development, whereas Congress wants to make Karnataka the Number-1 ATM for serving its 'Shahi family' in Delhi."

He further said, “If there prevails peace in society, Congress can not sit with peace..If there is happening progress and development in the country, Congress can not tolerate this..the whole politics of Congress is based on 'Divide and Rule' Policy. Karnataka itself has been a witness to this dangerous face of Congress!”

PM Modi began his rally in Mudbidri as he addressed the people of Karnataka. He said, "BJP's motive is to develop Karnataka and make it a manufacturing hub. But Congress needs one vote because they want to change all the rules and laws passed by BJP. Congress needs a vote because its leader is retiring. Congress and JDS are the same, people in Karnataka need to be aware of them".

The income tax department sleuths has seized Rs 1 crore in Mysuru which was hidden in a box on a tree. The IT sleuths raided the house of Subramania Rai in Mysuru, he is the brother of Puttur congress candidate Ashok Kumar Rai. He has hid money in a box on a tree. IT officials continue their search and investigation.

National President of BJP Yuva Morcha and MP Tejasvi Surya spoke exclusively to Republic and said, "Congress is desperate, they know they are losing in Karnataka. Whenever we think that it cannot stoop lower it always surprises us. Therefore they are trying to polarise the election as they are making it a Hindu vs Muslim election. Bajrang Dal is a service organisation which draws inspiration and values from Lord Bajrang Bali. Congress party hated Lord Rama and now they have a problem with Lord Hanuman. The people of Karnataka will teach them a lesson on May 10".

Vijayanagar Bajrang Dal District unit in Bengaluru stages protest against Congress manifesto to ban organisation. Last night, Bajrang Dal workers protested in Mangaluru against Congress Manifesto which sought to ban the Bajrang Dal if they were involved in any anti-social activities.

National President of BJP Yuva Morcha and MP Tejasvi Surya on Tuesday slammed Congress for its poll manifesto and termed it a carelessly drafted document without any serious intent. He stated that the saffron party will hold a press conference later in the day to expose the hypocrisy of the grand old party's manifesto.

Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar in conversation with Republic on Tuesday, took a jibe at the incumbent BjP’s ‘double-engine’ rhetoric and said the party is trifled towards blame games instead of development.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's  'abused me 91 times’ remark, Congress leader Shivakumar said, "I am shocked to hear the statement of the PM that 91 times he has been abused. It is not a point to be discussed here. Here is a double-engine government. They are saying their double-engine government can deliver a lot of things. The PM should be confident enough to convince the people of Karnataka of what he has done to create history. Instead of talking about development, he (PM Modi) is focusing on what Congress has done to the tri-team. For his stature, he should not focus on abuse but rather try to convince us what development he has brought." READ MORE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Public programs in Karnataka's Mudabidre, Ankola and Bailhongal on May 3 ahead of assembly polls. 

Bajrang Dal and Bajrang Bali are not the same, said Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar in an exclusive interview with Republic. Shivakumar's comment came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a veiled dig at the Congress for its poll promise to ban Bajrang Dal if it comes to power in the state following the polls. "Lord Hanuman symbolises service. Why is the PM comparing Lord Hanuman to any individual or organisation.  These individuals are trying to create a law and order situation in Karnataka. They are creating a disturbance in the state.  No investment is being received in the coastal belt because of these violent individuals,” said the poll-bound state's Congress chief. 

 "The Bajrang Dal was quoted as example. I won't discuss much on this issue,” Shivakumar replied when asked if the Congress party was equating both, PFI and Bajrang Dal. READ MORE

Bajrang Dal held a protest near the Congress office in Mangaluru and burned the party's manifesto. This comes after the grand old party announced to ban Bajrang Dal on the lines of PFI in its Karnataka Elections 2023 manifesto.

 Coming out hard at the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the election is not about the Prime Minister and asked the PM to speak about the issues of the state.

Hitting out at the Congress for its Bajrang Dal ban in its poll manifesto, BJP leader and state minister CN Ashwath Narayan said, "Congress always promoted PFI so they don't have any moral right to ban Bajrang Dal. Congress is back with its appeasement politics, they don't stand for development. People must defeat Congress, their manifesto is bad for the state."

A Congress delegation meets EC in Delhi. Party's MP Vivek Tankha says, "If a Home Minister says that there would be riots if Congress comes to power, what does he mean to say?...People holding constitutional posts should not make hate speeches...We gave EC copies of the SC's order on this...We made representations specifically against 3 people - Home Minister, JP Nadda and Yogi Adityanath."

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress and JD(S) in Karnataka's Sindhanura during his campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Whenever a crisis befell the nation, Congress & JD(S) did politics over that crisis. Right now, a civil war is going on in Sudan. We are safely bringing back every single Indian from there. But Congress leaders did politics over that too & tried to instigate several families here."

He further alleged that the Congress is seeking votes in the name of Congress leader Siddaramaiah's retirement from politics. 

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, BJP MLA BP Yantal said, "Bajrang Dal is a Hindu organisation it doesn’t work against the country. Congress is not coming to power in Karnataka, so there is no question of banning bajrang dal by them."

Hitting out at the Congress, Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his campaign in Mysuru said, "If the Congress party comes here and Siddaramaiah wins, the ban on PFI will be lifted. Congress made Karnataka the ATM of the Center. Siddaramaiah did nothing but corruption during his tenure. Siddaramaiah says Lingayat society has brought corruption."

Hitting out at Congress in his campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Congress is sitting with a bundle of guarantees these days in Karnataka. The party that has lost the trust of common people and they can only lie in the name of guarantees. Congress guaranteed to remove poverty from the country but failed to do so. On the other hand, Congress leaders became millionaires and billionaires."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday during his Karnataka election campaign, said, "The Double-Engine Govt in Karnataka has worked in an unprecedented manner in the direction of ensuring Social Justice and Social Empowerment. Welfare of the poor has been our top-most priority. We have been absolutely dedicated towards empowering the farmers; around 11 crore farmers across the country have been availing benefits under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana."

Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led central government the senior Congress leader P Chidambaram while in Bengaluru said, “Wherever the so-called double engine government is present, it has been a double disaster. The double engine government has delivered an all India unemployment rate of 7.8 per cent as of March 2023."

"BJP has resolved to make Karnataka the Number 1 State in the country. The Sankalpa Patra released yesterday for Karnataka will pave the way towards building the great heritage and bringing true prosperity in the State," said PM Modi. 

Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar's helicopter was hit by an eagle near Hosakote on Tuesday. He was on his way to Mulabagilu for an election rally. His camera person received minor injuries during the incident.

Actor Shiva Rajkumar, son of actor Rajkumar, participated in the Congress rally in Shivamogga today. While campaigning for the party, he said, "I have come here as a fan of Rahul Gandhi. He recently did the Bharat Jodo Yatra where he walked across the country, I was so inspired by the yatra," he says. 

Shiva Rajkumar's wife Geetha Shiva Rajkumar recently joined Congress.

BJP's goal is to serve the people of Karnataka, to serve the people of country with an absolute dedication. A developed, prosperous, safe and secure Karnataka is possible only under the strong leadership of PM Modi Ji," said Amit Shah while addressing a public rally in Varuna. 

"The Congress party made Karnataka the ATM of the Centre. Only corruption happened in Karnataka under Siddaramaiah. There was so much corruption in the time of Siddaramaiah that Siddaramaiah's government was the most corrupt government in the whole of India," he added. 

Alok Kumar of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has slammed the Congress for equating the Bajrang Dal with the PFI in the Karnataka election manifesto. He said, "By doing this, Congress wants to play appeasement politics. They have accepted their defeat."

"BJP has been focusing on providing even Medical and Engineering education in the regional languages. This will immensely benefit the rural people. Also, over 400 Eklavya Model Schools have been established for the tribal students. Congress had allocated a meagre budget worth Rs 25,000 crores for the tribal development measures, whereas for the BJP, the number stands at around 1.25 lakh crores for the same," said PM Modi while addressing a rally in Karnataka's Chitradurga.

"Congress can never compete with the development works of BJP. The number of medical colleges built by the Congress in the 10 years before 2014, the BJP government built twice as many medical colleges in just 9 years," said PM Modi. 

He added, "The BJP government has addressed another concern of the poor. Our government is emphasizing on conducting education from medical to engineering in the local language. This will give special benefit to the poor youth of the village." 

"People of Karnataka have to beware of both Congress and JDS. Congress and JDS are two parties for appearances, but both of them are same by heart and by their actions. Both of them are dynasts, both promote corruption and both do politics to divide the society. The development of Karnataka is not the priority of both these parties," said PM Modi. 

"We need to make Karnataka a driving force for the Developed India, a Growth Engine for the Developed India. For accomplishing this, we need to bring back to power, the Double-Engine Government," said PM Modi while addressing a public rally in Chitradurga. 

After Congress, in their Karnataka manifesto, proimised to ban 'Bajrang Dal,' party's MLA G Parameshwara said, "We need peaceful Karnataka. If there are anti-social elements, we will examine the facts and then only we will go ahead with the decision to ban the same." 

The Congress party in its manifesto for the Karnataka assembly elections 2023, highlighted organisations like Bajrang Dal for promoting 'enmity.' The manifesto reads, "The Congress Party is committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities. We believe that law and Constitution is sacrosanct and can not be violated by individuals and Organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity." 

1. Gruha Jyoti - 200 units of free electricity 
2. Gruha Lakshmi - ₹2000 per month for women 
3. Yuvanidhi - ₹3,000 monthly for graduates 
4. Anna Bhagya – 10 kg rice each for BPL holders
5. Free bus travel for women (KSRTC/BMTC buses)

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday released his party's manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections 2023. During the occassion, former Karnataka CM and LoP Siddaramaiah, party state president DK Shivakumar and other leaders were present. 

Congress MLA G Parameshwara, while commenting on the Congress' election manifesto which will now be released, said, "KPCC and AICC have worked towards understanding and addressing the problems of people. Therefore we have come up with a manifesto to address the problems of the people of the state for the next 5 years. We have mainly focused on lower income groups such as auto drivers, taxi drivers, daily wage workers and gig workers. We have also collected inputs from Pourakarmikas, labour organisations, farmer organisations, religious groups, thinkers and intellectuals. We toured the entire state and discussed with people from all sectors, societies, communities and economic class." 

BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil (Yatnal) has made a controversial statement while campaigning in Hubballi for the saffron party. In the run to May 10 Karnataka Assembly polls, he said, " If you speak against India, then encounter. We won't send them to jail, we'll shoot them on roads. You've seen what happened to brothers in UP recently. If anyone speaks about our dharma, India or Hindus then they'll be shot." 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold several public meetings and roadshows in poll-bound Karnataka today. He will address public rallies at Chitradurga, Vijayanagara, and Sindhanur. Later in the day, he will lead a roadshow in Kalaburagi. Notably, Home Minister Amit Shah will also lead parallel campaigns in the run up to Karnataka assembly polls slated on May 10. 

Union Home Minister and BJP's poll strategist Amit Shah will continue to lead campaign activities in Karnataka today with over three public meetings and a roadshow. He will address public rallies in Varuna, Hanur and Kollegal. Amit Shah's roadshow will be taken out in BTM Layout assembly in the evening. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai on Monday took a swipe at the Congress party for "copying" the schemes of Bharatiya Janata Party in the run up to assembly polls. CM Bommai said that BJP will be providing a food kit to the BPL families, containing 5 kg rice, 5 kg millet, and a half litre of milk, to make the best food available to the economically weaker sections.

Speaking to the reporters, during a roadshow in Karnataka’s Mysuru, he said, “The BJP government has launched the scheme to buy Jawar, Ragi, and millets grown by farmers by offering them the support price. This food will ensure nutrition. The scheme will also help in buying milk from the producers in huge volumes”.

“The scheme has been prepared after thorough thinking. A lot of incentive is given for the production of millet, and ragi. All these are included in the ‘Namma Poshan’ campaign. All the schemes Congress has announced have been copied from us,” he added.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Monday, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party "will not make" a Chief Minister from the Lingayat community "at any cost".

He made these remarks while campaigning for party candidate Hanumanta Mavinamara in Badami.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Monday, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party "will not make" a Chief Minister from the Lingayat community "at any cost".

He made these remarks while campaigning for party candidate Hanumanta Mavinamara in Badami.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Monday, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party "will not make" a Chief Minister from the Lingayat community "at any cost".

He made these remarks while campaigning for party candidate Hanumanta Mavinamara in Badami.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) knocked on the doors of the Election Commission on Monday, May 1, over Congress’ ‘nalayak beta’ insult of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

“We have filed a complaint with the EC and we demand that Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyank Kharge should not be allowed be allowed to give speeches during the campaign. They should apologise to the nation,” said Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje. 

Notably, Priyank Kharge son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hurled insulting remarks on PM Modi by calling him 'nalayak beta' (worthless son) on camera. Priyank said, while addressing a rally in Karnataka, “The PM had said when he had come to Kalaburgi and asked all of you to not be scared as the son of the Banjara community is sitting in Delhi. But how will this work, if the son is ‘nalayak’.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will campaign in the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in the coming days. 
 

Congress on Monday, May 1 released its promises to the farmers of Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections 2023. It read, 

Congress' promise to the farmers of Karnataka

🔹 KRISHI NIDHI: ₹1.50 Lakh Cr in 5 Years for farmers' welfare.

🔹 PRAKARITI VIKOPA NIDHI: ₹5,000 Cr (₹1,000 Cr every year) in case of crop destruction.

🔹 Ensure MSP for coconut farmers & others.

🔹 Increase milk subsidy from ₹5 to ₹7 per litre.

"Vote for progress. Choose Congress!," it added. 

Union Minister and senior BJP leader from Karnataka, Pralhad Joshi categorically said on Monday he does not aspire to be Chief Minister as he wishes to continue to work directly under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the central level. READ FULL STORY HERE. 

Like father, like son. Days after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ‘poisonous snake’, his son Priyank Kharge launched another insulting remark on PM Modi and termed him a nalayak beta (worthless son). READ FULL STORY HERE. 

He further stated that, "This constituency (Tumakuru) symbolizes the corruption & inefficiency of Congress…Today, out of 342 villages, most villages don’t have drinking water & road. We want to convert it to the most efficient constituency of Karnataka. That is why we have put the best candidate because we want to serve the great people of this constituency:"

As Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's "poisonous snake" remark at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stirred a row, Vadra Congress once again hurls fresh abuses. Congress chief's son Priyank Kharge while addressing a poll campaign has now called Prime Minister "Nalayak Beta".

“The PM had said when he had come to Kalaburgi and asked all of you to not be scared as the son of the Banjara community is sitting in Delhi. But how will this work, if the son is ‘nalayak’,” Priyank Kharge said while addressing a meeting ahead of Karnataka polls, scheduled to take place on May 10.

The remarks of Priyank Kharge came after his father Mallikarjun Kharge on April 28 likened PM Modi to a "poisonous snake". However, he later clarified his remarks stating that it wasn't directed at Prime Minister Modi and was against the ideology of the BJP. 

Congress MLA Priyank Kharge remains defiant over his Nalayak remark at PM Narendra Modi. He stated, "You are the Prime Minister, quite naturally everybody will not agree with your views, there will be criticism but that does not mean you go to the public crying. Unfortunately, the PM plays the victim card every time".

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai slammed Priyank Kharge's latest abuse at PM Modi and also lashed out at Mallikarjun Kharge. In an exclusive conversation with the Republic, CM Bommai said, "Like father, like son. They are losing and this showcases their desperation as they are taking stooping so low. They are scared of PM Modi and our Prime Minister's image will not be affected but their image will be damaged. It shows their culture. Who is nalayak, will come to know on May 13",

Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds a mega roadshow in Karnataka's Tumakuru ahead of May 10 assembly polls.  Amit Shah raised Muslim quota promises during his campaign stating, "Congress wants Muslim reservation in Karnataka. Scrapped Muslim reservations to benefit the Vokkaligas and Lingayats. The double engine will roll on in Karnataka and PM Modi's return in 2024".

ANNA 

• We will set up an ‘Atal Aahara Kendra’ in every ward of every municipal corporation in the state to provide affordable, quality and healthy food across the state.
• We will launch the ‘Poshana’ scheme through which every BPL household will be provided with half litre Nandini milk every day and 5 kg Shri Anna - siri dhanya through monthly ration kits.

AKSHARA 

• We will introduce the Visvesvaraya Vidya Yojane under which the state government will partner with eminent individuals and institutions for holistic upgradation of government schools to top-class standards.
• We will launch the ‘Samanvaya’ scheme which will drive collaboration between SMEs and ITIs and generate a dynamic ecosystem of education and employment for talented young professionals.
•  We will provide career support for aspirational youth by providing financial incentives for students to pursue coaching for IAS/KAS/Banking/Government Jobs.

AAROGYA 

• We will strengthen the public healthcare infrastructure in the state through ‘Mission Swasthya Karnataka’ by establishing one Namma clinic, equipped with diagnostic facilities, in every ward of municipal corporations. Additionally, we will also provide a free annual master health check-up for senior citizens.

ABHIVRUDDHI 

• We will develop Bengaluru for the next generation by designating it as ‘State Capital Region’, and executing a comprehensive, technology-led city development program - centred around Ease of Life, cohesive transportation networks and enabling ecosystems for making Bengaluru a Global Hub of Digital Innovation.
• We will transform Karnataka into a premier hub of Electric Vehicles, by setting up charging stations, supporting 1,000 startups, converting BMTC buses into fully electric buses, and creating an “EV City” on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
• We will set up a ₹30,000 crore K-Agri Fund to establish micro-cold storage facilities, agro processing units in all GPs, undertake modernisation and digitisation of APMCs, accelerate farm mechanisation, establish 5 new Agro-Industry clusters and 3 new Food Processing Parks, supported by a 1,000 strong FPO ecosystem.

AADAAYA 

• We will allocate ₹1,500 crore to develop the Kalyana Circuit, Banavasi Circuit, Parashurama Circuit, Kaveri Circuit and Ganagapura Corridor, to transform Karnataka into India’s most favoured tourist destination.
• We will broaden the scope of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme by incorporating a comprehensive plan that encompasses logistics, industrial clusters, connectivity, and export facilities generating 10 lakh manufacturing jobs ‘Beyond Bengaluru’.

ABHAYA

• We will improve the “ease of living” of apartment dwellers in Bengaluru by constituting the Karnataka Residents’ Welfare Consultative Committee to reform the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act,1972 and to modernise the grievance redressal mechanism.
• We will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Karnataka based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee which is to be constituted for the purpose.
• We will provide 3 free cooking gas cylinders to all BPL families annually; one each during the months of Yugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Deepavali.
• We will launch ‘Sarvarigu Suru Yojane’ under which the Revenue Department will distribute 10 lakh housing sites across the state to the siteless/homeless beneficiaries.
• We will launch the "Onake Obavva Samajika Nyaya Nidhi" scheme through which we will provide a matching deposit up to ₹10,000 on 5 year fixed deposits made under the scheme by women of SC, ST households.

Karnataka Heath Minister K. Sudhakar condemned Priyank Kharge's remark, In an exclusive conversation with Republic Media Network, he said, "This is totally reckless and Priyank Kharge is a reckless person. He comes out from his father's legacy. He is there because of his father. He does not have anything on his own. His father also compared pm with a poisonous snake. Whenever they start losing they start abusing. PM Modi is loved by all and they will be taught a lesson by the people of Karnataka".

While BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, "It is a trend in the Congress party to use unparliamentary language and abuse PM, Modi. The people of karnatka will give them a befitting reply. Kharge is a puppet of the Gandhi family and he is using such words to appease his leader".

In an exclusive conversation with Republic, BJP MLC Chaluvadi Narayanaswamy said, "These kinds of bath-mouthing are not allowed in the election process. I have great respect for Kharge as I have worked with him and he has never uttered a single word against anyone. I don't know what happened to when he went to Delhi. And now his son Priyank Kharge is doing the same. He is the Prime Minister of the country. One should always respect the opposition parties, we respect Congress leaders then why can't they".

"PM Modi has already told that they have used abuses 91 times and still, they are doing the same. This will cost them for sure in this election. When PM arrived in Karnataka there was a Tsunami and they cannot take it, therefore they are using such filthy language".
 

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai responded to Congress' CryPMPayCM social media campaign and said, "PM has never cried, it is Congress who has been crying for the past 9 years and people also don't have sympathy for them...,"

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi responded to Priyank Kharge's fresh abuses at PM Modi. He stated, "Congress has always had an allergy to Prime Minister Modi as he comes from a humble background. This is not the first time when they have hurled abuses at PM Modi we have heard Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. When the father is only using such languages then what we can expect from him. PM Modi has been elected by the people of India and Congress has nothing to do with that".

JP Nadda informed that BJP's Manifesto for Karnataka has not been formulated sitting in an Air-conditioned room, rather a due exercise has been done. "A great amount of toil and perseverance by our workers who visited every nook and corner of the States got suggestions and connected to lakhs of the households before this content was created. We are a government of Double-Engine, theirs is a Trouble-Engine; we are here to give Pace to the development, they only give 'Brakes' to the development. Today, Karnataka has become the top-destination for Foreign Direct Investments".

He further stated that the party's manifesto is centered around 6 themes which are:-

1.  Food Security
2. Quality Education
3. Affordable and Accessible Healthcare
4. Assured Income Support
5. Social Justice for All
6. Development, Prosperity for All

1. 3 free cooking gas cylinders
2. Atal Aahara Kendra in every ward for affordable food
3. Free Nandini milk to all BPL families daily
4. 5 kg free rice & grain for BPL homes each month
5. Implementation of Uniform Civil Code
6. 10 lakh housing sites for the homeless
7. Rs 10,000 deposit for SC/ST women households
8. Public-pvt partnership to upgrade all govt schools
9. Financial incentives for ias/kas/banking/govt job aspirants
10. 'Namma clinic' in every ward with a free checkup for senior citizens
11. Bengaluru to be designated as ‘State Capital Region’
12. Make Karnataka a premier hub for electric vehicles
13. Rs 30,000 crore K-Agri fund to establish micro storage facilities
14. 10 lakh manufacturing jobs beyond Bengaluru
15. Five lakh houses for the urban poor
16. Ayushman Bharat coverage to increase to Rs 10 lakh per year for BPL families
17. Nursing college, medical college & super specialty hospital in each district
18. Kit, on the lines of IIT in every district of Karnataka
19. 100% 5G penetration and broadband connectivity in all districts by 2025
20. New NRC in Karnataka to deport all illegal immigrants
21. Special wing against religious fundamentalism and terror (K-Swift)
22. Rs 2000 pension for widows 
23. Special Puneeth Rajkumar Film City to be created
24. Special panel to give autonomy to the Temple administration
25. India’s first semiconductor manufacturing Plant

After the BJP's manifesto was released, CM Basavaraj Bommai shared the prominent highlights of the manifesto and how the state will be governed. Bommai informed, "BJP is a party with a difference which has always played a big national role. We have been in power in the state and our prime agenda has always been putting the nation first. This is a people's manifesto as we have tried to address all the problems of the people. This manifesto is a blueprint on how we will function as a government".

• We have stressed farming which is the livelihood of the majority of the people
• Focused on Kisan Sanman Yojana to Raitha Nidhi in our manifesto
• Zero interest for farmers upto Rs 5 lakh
• We will form 1,000 farming centres and we will also concentrate on fisheries in this
• Socially and for the benefit and development of the poor we have the motto of Sabka Saath and Sabka Vikas
• We want to create agro funds, and a supply chain and give importance to the production of millet
• We are creating 5 lakh houses in urban regions and 10 lakh houses in rural areas for the poor
• Under the Poshan scheme, we will provide half a litre of Nandini milk every day to BPL cardholders

BJP national President JP Nadda released 'BJP Praja Manifesto 2023' in the presence of chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, veteran leader BS Yediyurappa and other top leaders including party cadres. The manifesto was formulated based on the suggestions of the people of the state, by the people of the state, for the people of the state, for a prosperous Karnataka.

BJP Karnataka president Nalin Kateel responded to Congress' CryPMPayCM campaign and said, "PM Modi is not only the leader of the country but also the leader of the world. Congress' target is to ridicule him as they have already lost the election, hence they are doing all this. Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister and was always in a silent mood".

Former Karnataka CM and BJP CM Sadananda Gowda spoke exclusively to Republic TV ahead of releasing of the manifesto. He said, "Health sector and Women empowerment. are the primary areas we want to target. From Student and youth's education to their employment. Wonderful development has been done by the BJP in the state and people have accepted it. We are going to win more than 130 seats".

Hours after a mobile phone was thrown by an unknown person from within the crowd at the convoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his roadshow in Karnataka’s Mysuru, the police have revealed that they have located the concerned person. It was further stated that the person had “no ill intentions” behind the incident. 

Responding to the incident, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), law and Order, Alok Kumar informed that the phone belonged to a Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) worker. He also stated that at the time of the incident, PM Modi was under the protection of the Special Protection Group (SPG). 

“The person who threw the phone on the vehicle of PM had no ill intention. He threw the phone in excitement. The Prime Minister was under the protection of SPG. The phone belongs to a BJP worker. We have traced the person, the phone was handed over to the person by the SPG,” Kumar. READ MORE

Ahead of Karnataka elections, Congress has once again targeted BJP and launched a campaign called #CryPMpayCM after Priyanka Gandhi's counter to PM Modi on "I was abused by Congress" jibe. The Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress Committee started tweeting under #CryPMpayCM , the official Congress pages and leaders also have joined the hashtag.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday called upon the people of Karnataka to unite and vote for Congress in the upcoming Assembly polls, failing which the future of the next generation "will be jeopardised". Emphasizing that the unity of people in the elections as "important", Kharge sought their support in forming the Congress government with an "overwhelming majority".

"This is an important election and unitedly we all need to vote for Congress and support Congress to win an overwhelming majority. If we don't unite and support Congress today, then our next generation's future will be jeopardised," Kharge said.
"We need to remember Gandhiji and Pandit Nehru for their contribution to democracy. But there are some people these days who did nothing for freedom but claim themselves to be great patriots and nationalists," he added taking a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party. Hailing the previous Congress governments for their work in developing infrastructure and other sectors in the country, the party president questioned the BJP if they have done anything for the nation.

Coming down heavily on Congress party on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's 'poisonous snake' remark on him by saying that a snake is the charm of Lord Shiva's neck and for him, the people of the country are like Lord Shiva, so he accepts being a snake who stays with them.

He further stated that the people of Karnataka will give Congress a "befitting response" in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Slamming Mallikarjun Kharge for his ‘poisnous snake’ remark, PM Modi, in a rally in Channapatna, stated, “These Congress people sometimes want to dig my grave, sometimes they call me snake, snake is the garland of Lord Shiva, my Shiva are you, the public, so I take this abuse of theirs on my head. Let them abuse, but you have to remember, 'Ee baari nirdhara bahumatada BJP sarkara (Permanent BJP government this time).” READ MORE
 

"Congress is the second name of betrayal. They have betrayed the farmers of the state and the country. JDS calls itself the 'kingmaker' in Karnataka and every vote to JDS adds to the vote of Congress. Congress neglected the poor. But BJP is working for the people, farmers and poor of the state. The farmers are getting double benefits from the double-engine govt," PM Modi said. 

"For Congress and JDS, Karnataka is just an ATM, while for BJP, Karnataka is the most important growth engine of the country's development: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Karnataka. Congress and JDS are different just to show else they are the same. They both are 'dynasty' parties. Karnataka is a growth engine in India and an 'unstable govt' is not good for it. An unstable govt doesn't do any development work they only loot the public. Congress and JDS only promote corruption. Karnataka has seen its downside," said PM Narendra Modi at Channapatana in Ramanagara district in Karnataka. 

BJP President JP Nadda visited the residence of martyred BJYM leader Praveen Nettaru and met his family. Taking to Twitter, JP Nadda said, "Visited the home of martyred BJYM leader Praveen Nettaru located at Bellare, Puttur and met his family members. Each and every karyakarta of the BJP stands by them. I assure that such incidents as those that led to his death will not be tolerated by our government. Our fight against communal extremism will continue, and we will keep striving to maintain social harmony".

Ahead of polling for the Karnataka elections slated for May 10, BJP's national president JP Nadda is likely to release the party's manifesto today, May 1 for the state. According to sources, Nadda will release the manifesto in the presence of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and former CM of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa along with other party leaders. The party, which is said to have strategised the campaign by putting special stress on the double-engine government in the state, has also formulated a special manifesto for the state's assembly polls. 

The saffron party is expected to focus and inculcate the welfare of each section of society including the welfare of women, farmers, youths, students, unemployed, infrastructural development, health and tourism into its manifesto, on which the party had stressed a prime focus during 2018 assembly polls as well. The BJP through its manifesto is focussing on wooing the voters and ensuring the support from all the sections of society, since the party doesn't want to leave any stone unturned to gain a majority in the state's assembly. The party is also looking very keen on taking first-time voters on board, and expected to make some special announcements for them in the party's manifesto. 

Training guns on the Congress over its President M Mallikarjun Kharge's 'venomous snake' barb at him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said till now that party and its leaders have hurled at him different types of abuses 91 times. 

Accusing the Congress of also abusing the dominant Lingayat community in poll-bound Karnataka, the Prime Minister further said the grand old party had even abused Babasaheb Ambedkar and were engaged in abusing Veer Savarkar. Hitting out at the Congress, Modi -- on his first visit to the state for campaigning after elections were declared on March 29 -- said, people will respond to its abuses with votes, and as much mud they sling at BJP, the lotus will bloom.

"The Congress hates everyone who speaks about the common man, who brings out their corruption, who attacks their politics of selfishness. Congress's hate against such people will become permanent. In this election too, the Congress once again has started abusing me," Modi said. READ MORE

The Election Commission has directed its chief electoral officer in poll-going Karnataka to ensure constant monitoring of ground situation and strengthen vigil over various social media platforms for prompt action against attempts to bribe or intimidate candidates and voters, sources said on Saturday.

The Commission's directive came after an audio clip was circulated on social media about an alleged attempt by BJP candidate from Chamarajanagar, V Somana, to influence Mallikarjuna Swamy alias Alur Mallu of JD (S) to withdraw candidature by offering money and a government vehicle, sources said.

An FIR has been filed in the matter under Section 171E and 171 F of IPC in Town Police Station, Chamarajanagar, they said. These sections deal with punishment for bribery and undue influence.

Ahead of the May 10 polls for which campaigning levels have gone up, the Commission has directed the CEO of Karnataka to ensure constant monitoring of ground situation and strengthen vigil over social media platforms for prompt and timely action against any attempt of bribery or intimidation to candidates and voters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave a new election slogan 'Ee baariya nirdhara, Bahumatada BJP Sarkara' (This time's decision, majority BJP government) for the ruling BJP in Karnataka, ahead of Assembly polls, and expressed confidence about the party coming back to power with a full majority.

Alleging that Congress was abusing him, as he has shut all its sources of corruption, he claimed that only BJP can provide stable and strong government in Karnataka. 

Modi's stress on BJP getting a clear mandate in May 10 Assembly polls is significant, as the party had not got majority both in 2008 and 2018, when it emerged as the single largest party, and had to form government with the backing of MLAs from opposition ranks who switched loyalty to it and independents.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed Congress in poll-bound Karnataka saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party has rectified the wrong done by grand old party by doing away with the Muslim reservation quota in the southern state. 

Addressing a rally in Karnataka's Byndoor on Saturday, Amit Shah, "BJP has rectified the wrong done by Congress by doing away with the Muslim reservation quota in Karnataka. Congress wants to restore it. Ensure that it is not given this chance; it is unconstitutional as well as compromises the rights of Vokkaligas, Lingayats, SCs, STs and Dalits in the state."

The BJP leader further stated that the saffron party scrapped the 4% Muslim reservation as it was not as per Constitution. "BJP scrapped the 4 per cent Muslim reservation. That reservation was not as per Constitution. Our Constitution does not permit reservation on the basis of religion. Congress says that once their reverse gear government comes, they will bring back the Muslim reservation once again. Do you want that?" Shah questioned. READ MORE

Assuring party's victory for the upcoming Karnataka elections 2023, state BJP leader KS Eshwarappa, "BJP will get more than 145 seats in the upcoming polls... Congress has realised that they are going to lose the elections so they have started abusing PM Modi. The world knows what PM Modi has done for the country. They (Congress) never show any proof that BJP has taken 40% commission, they keep putting false allegations."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 30, held a roadshow in Mysuru ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections scheduled for May 10. While PM Modi's convoy was passing through a sea of supporters, what appears to be a mobile phone was thrown by an unknown person from within the crowd. With few BJP members, PM Modi was on board the vehicle which was decked with party symbols and flowers as it transited through various parts of the city.

In a video from the rally, a phone can be seen flung towards the vehicle and it landed right before PM Modi who was waving to the crowd. April 30 was the second day of PM Modi's visit to Karnataka during which he addressed six public rallies and his tour ended on the last day of the annual Mysuru Dasara. Wearing the traditional Mysuru 'Peta' and a saffron shawl, the Prime Minister was accompanied by Mysuru MP Pratap Simha, former ministers K S Eshwarappa and S A Ramadas.

At one point, PM Modi also stepped down from the vehicle and greeted the locals with security around him before getting into his SUV. Dozens of BJP workers also surrounded him while being dressed in the traditional Mysuru attire. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a mega roadshow in Mysuru, winding up his whirlwind two-day campaign tour of Karnataka during which he addressed six public rallies. In what appeared to be a rerun of sorts of the popular 'Jambu Savari' witnessed on the last day of the annual Mysuru Dasara, the Prime Minister’s roadshow passed through various parts of the city. 

Modi flew into the heritage city from Beluru in Hassan district this evening after addressing his third public meeting of the day in the state and mounted on a specially designed vehicle.