Karnataka Polls 2023 LIVE | Congress, JD(S) are 'dynasty' parties: PM Modi in Channapatana

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."

#WATCH | 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… pic.twitter.com/aoHRZ1sKNT

— ANI (@ANI)

"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. 

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… pic.twitter.com/XlTGj8NND6

— ANI (@ANI)

"For a long time, Karnataka witnessed the drama of unstable govt. In Unstable govts, they only fight for looting money. JDS and Congress are the most responsible parties for these instabilities. They are one party in all aspects. In the parliament, they support each other and promote dynasticism and corruption. They see opportunity in instability. JDS has declared they are just expecting 15-20 seats and will become king-maker," said PM Modi 

"This election of Karnataka is not just to make MLA, Minister or Chief Minister for the coming 5 years, this election is to strengthen the foundation of the roadmap of a developed India in the coming 25 years," PM Narendra Modi at Channapatana in Ramanagara district in Karnataka. 

PM Shri @narendramodi addresses public meeting in Channapatana, Karnataka. #ManeMagaModi https://t.co/d2EVsT1JBU

— BJP (@BJP4India)

"BJP has betrayed the public at all levels. BJP is trying to divert the public from the main topic which is unemployment, no development work done, etc. Our issues are clear, we will not divert the public from the main issues. This election is for the public to choose their leader. They are well aware that they have been looted and they want a change now," said Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Khanapur in the Belagavi district of Karnataka. 

BJP makes fake promises and never fulfils them. But Congress has fulfilled all its promises. Congress always had the motive of working for people and not betraying them. You have watched the work of Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi and you all have the trust that we will do… pic.twitter.com/4CaI64LYmS

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP National President Shri @JPNadda addresses public meeting in Davangere, Karnataka. #ManeMagaModi https://t.co/JUYbrQKoJt

— BJP (@BJP4India)

"This election is for the future of Karnataka and its people. It's not merely an election of the candidates and parties.Today, Industrial Corridor is being constructed in Tumkuru, Karnataka. It's going to be the biggest Industrial Corridor in South India. Today, around Rs 1 lakh crore is going to be spent just on highways," said JP Nadda

This election is for the future of Karnataka and its people. It's not merely an election of the candidates and parties.

- Shri @JPNadda #ManeMagaModi pic.twitter.com/TrmugPI2uX

— BJP (@BJP4India)

"JDS and Congress are the biggest stumbling blocks in the development of Karnataka. Even if they team up and play, the people of Karnataka are not going to give them the opportunity to come to power," PM Modi in Kolar.

#LIVE | 'Today's gathering will make Congress and JD(S) lose sleep. They both have been clean-bowled by the party': PM Modi.#PMModi #KarnatakaElections #Karnataka #Elections2023

Tune in here - https://t.co/vlVUCzcUKm pic.twitter.com/uNUaopEhul

— Republic (@republic)

#LIVE | Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses rally in Kolar as Karnataka braces for assembly elections. #PMModi #KarnatakaElections #Karnataka #Elections2023

Tune in here - https://t.co/vlVUCzcUKm pic.twitter.com/88dVMPbXLB

— Republic (@republic)

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath listened to the 100th episode of #MannKiBaat, in Koppal, Karnataka. pic.twitter.com/bJQW5tkrAQ

— ANI (@ANI)

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, the Election Commission took a serious note of the matter and an FIR has been filed, according to Election Commission of India to Karnataka Chief Electoral Office. An FIR has been filed in the matter under Sections 171E and 171F at Town Police Station in Chamarajanagar. 

"A Congress leader is seeking votes in the name of retirement. His biggest poll plank is, 'This is my last election, give me a chance.' What a pathetic state they have reached," said PM Modi while taking a swipe at Congress' Siddaramaiah. PM Modi made these remarks while addressing an election in Vijayapura in Karnataka which is slated to go to polls on May 10. 

The Prime Minister further said that the people of Karnataka will not choose tired and defeated Congress but BJP teeming with enthusiasm. 

The people of Karnataka should choose a double engine government in the State by voting for BJP in the May 10 Assembly elections instead of a ‘reverse gear’ government of the Congress, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday. 

Addressing a massive gathering here, he said the Central government led by Narendra Modi had brought various schemes worth Rs 2,26,418 crore during the last four years in Karnataka, whereas the previous UPA government provided only Rs 99,000 crore to the State during their rule.

"A reverse gear government by Congress will only turn Karnataka into their ATM state. The BJP has to come to power to ensure prosperity, development and peace," he said. 

"In Arakalagudu Assembly Constituency, a campaign was conducted for Congress candidate Mr. H. P. Sridhar Gowda under the leadership of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge today. He has promised to give pro-people governance in Karnataka and if the Congress government comes to power, it will be a people's government," Congress President DK Shivakumar tweeted. 

ಅರಕಲಗೂಡು ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್‌ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಹೆಚ್.ಪಿ.ಶ್ರೀಧರ್ ಗೌಡ ಅವರ ಪರ ಎಐಸಿಸಿ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ @Kharge ಅವರ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಚಾರಕಾರ್ಯ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಪರ ಆಡಳಿತ ನೀಡುವ ಭರವಸೆ ನೀಡಿದ್ದು, ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಅಧಿಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದರೆ ಅದು ಜನರ ಸರ್ಕಾರವಾಗಲಿದೆ.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/B7giTyFgql

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar)

"If the government goes into the hands of Congress, they will use Karnataka as an ATM. They will use Karnataka's money as an ATM to distribute to the states that are going for elections but not for the development of Karnataka," Telangana BJP chief Bandi Sanjay says during a rally in Kolar.

BJP govt should be formed here. If not, the development will stop. If govt goes into the hands of Congress, they will use Karnataka as an ATM. They will use Karnataka's money as an ATM to distribute to the states that are going for elections but not for the development of… pic.twitter.com/n241snQUQ1

— ANI (@ANI)

"Tremendous energy and enthusiasm was visible in the Road Show at Basavangudi in Bengaluru. The BJP will come back to power with absolute majority in Karnataka," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted on Saturday while sharing pictures from his Karnataka visit. 

Tremendous energy and enthusiasm was visible in the Road Show at Basavangudi in Bengaluru. The BJP will come back to power with absolute majority in Karnataka. @BJP4Karnataka pic.twitter.com/0vouwOMsHm

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh)

"You voted with utmost confidence to form your own elected government, But BJP toppled that government and formed a new government. This government has never respected your votes, this state and the referendum," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said. 

ನೀವು ನಿಮ್ಮದೇ ಚುನಾಯಿತ ಸರ್ಕಾರವನ್ನು ರಚಿಸಲು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಆತ್ಮವಿಶ್ವಾಸದಿಂದ ಮತ ಚಲಾಯಿಸಿದಿರಿ,

ಆದರೆ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಆ ಸರ್ಕಾರವನ್ನು ಕೆಡವಿ ಹೊಸ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ರಚಿಸಿತು.

ಈ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮತಗಳನ್ನು, ಈ ರಾಜ್ಯವನ್ನು ಮತ್ತು ಜನಾಭಿಪ್ರಾಯವನ್ನು ಎಂದಿಗೂ ಗೌರವಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲ.
- @priyankagandhi#ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್_ಬರಲಿದೆ_ಪ್ರಗತಿ_ತರಲಿದೆ pic.twitter.com/eqAQpILE3G

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

LIVE: Congress President Shri @Kharge addresses the public in Hassan district, Karnataka.https://t.co/KZcdgFZRKz

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

Live : ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಶ್ರೀ @narendramodi ಅವರ ಬೃಹತ್‌ ರೋಡ್‌ ಶೋ.#NaMoRocksBLR #PoornaBahumata4BJP #BJPYeBharavase #BJPWinningKarnataka #DoubleEngineSarkara https://t.co/Vj332KluHl

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Bengaluru ahead of Karnataka Elections.

"I promise that the 5 guaranteed programs that we have announced will be implemented 100 percent. Telling lies and making promises by word of mouth has become a habit for the BJP. We are committed to social justice and implement good programs for the poor, farmers, backward, all classes of communities,"  Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said during a public meeting held in Malavalli, Mandya district.

ನಾವು ಘೋಷಣೆ ಮಾಡಿರುವ 5 ಗ್ಯಾರಂಟಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು ನೂರಕ್ಕೆ ನೂರು ಜಾರಿಯಾಗುತ್ತವೆ ಎಂಬ ಭರವಸೆ ನೀಡುತ್ತೇನೆ.

ಸುಳ್ಳು ಹೇಳುವುದು, ಬಾಯಿ‌ ಮಾತಿನ ಭರವಸೆ ನೀಡುವುದು ಬಿಜೆಪಿಯವರಿಗೆ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸವಾಗಿ ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದೆ.

ನಾವು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ನ್ಯಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಬದ್ಧರಾಗಿ ಬಡವರ, ಕೃಷಿಕರ, ಹಿಂದುಳಿದವರ, ಎಲ್ಲ ವರ್ಗ ಸಮುದಾಯಗಳ ಪರ ಉತ್ತಮ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡಿ… pic.twitter.com/LsElO4MAuI

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

#WATCH | #KarnatakaElections2023 | Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds a roadshow in Byndoor. pic.twitter.com/gWv5In3OaK

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital)

In Udupi, Karnataka, addressing a euphoric crowd during a public rally. Watch Live!

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಉಡುಪಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನೆರೆದ ಉತ್ಸಾಹಭರಿತ ಜನಸ್ತೋಮವನ್ನುದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ.#PoornaBahumata4BJP https://t.co/aOMyo0bR9j

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah)

Live : ಕುಡಚಿ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಶ್ರೀ @narendramodi ಅವರ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಸಭೆ. #PoornaBahumata4BJP #BJPYeBharavase #BJPWinningKarnataka #DoubleEngineSarkara https://t.co/uUNHVo12bf

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

While addressing a public rally in Karnataka, Congress chief Kharge said, "Congress party guarantees, Griha Jyoti - 200 units of free electricity for households, Griha Lakshmi – ₹2000 per month for house owner, Youth Fund - ₹3,000 per month for graduates, Anna Bhagya - 10 kg rice per month for BPL families, Free bus travel for women. All these guarantees will be implemented in the first cabinet of the Congress government." 

ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಗ್ಯಾರಂಟಿಗಳಾದ,
▶ಗೃಹ ಜ್ಯೋತಿ - ಮನೆಗಳಿಗೆ 200 ಯೂನಿಟ್‌ ಉಚಿತ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್‌
▶ಗೃಹ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ - ಮನೆಯೊಡತಿಗೆ ₹2000 ಪ್ರತಿ ತಿಂಗಳು
▶ಯುವ ನಿಧಿ - ಪದವೀಧರರಿಗೆ ತಿಂಗಳಿಗೆ ₹3,000
▶ಅನ್ನ ಭಾಗ್ಯ - ಬಿಪಿಎಲ್ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾಸಿಕ ತಲಾ 10 ಕೆಜಿ ಅಕ್ಕಿ
▶ಮಹಿಳೆಯರಿಗೆ ಉಚಿತ ಬಸ್ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ
ಈ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಗ್ಯಾರಂಟಿಗಳನ್ನು… pic.twitter.com/dDqnpHI1T5

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

#WATCH | Former Karnataka CM & leader of opposition Siddaramaiah loses balance while getting inside the car, in Vijayanagara district

"I am doing fine and there is no need to worry. It was just a slip while getting inside the car," he tweets pic.twitter.com/OUIJqA9OEI

— ANI (@ANI)

"Congress never cared for Dalits, and has always disrespected and disregarded them. 'Garibi Hatao' was merely a slogan of Congress; the actual benefits of its schemes and programmes were accrued to the mediators, its corrupt leaders and not to the poor," said PM Modi. 

He added, "Congress started many schemes in the name of eradicating poverty, but the middlemen got their benefits... the real needy did not get their benefits. The PM of Congress used to say that if I send one rupee, only 15 paise reaches, but today if one paise comes out from Delhi, the entire amount is deposited in the beneficiary's account."

PM Modi said, "Our government believes in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas'. Our Double-Engine Govt has afforded pucca houses to over 9 lakh families of Karnataka and most of these families belong to Dalits, tribal communities." 

"It is the BJP government which has given priority to Dalits, oppressed, underprivileged, tribals, women and disabled people. Today, under the BJP government, the deprived sections of the society have got social and economic security. There are 9 lakh such families in Karnataka who have been able to enter their first pucca house after many generations. I also got the privilege of giving new life to lakhs of my Banjara friends of Karnataka," he added while addressing public rally at Vijayapura. 

PM Shri @narendramodi addresses public meeting in Vijayapura, Karnataka. #PoornaBahumata4BJP https://t.co/OcZQ0HfpS7

— BJP (@BJP4India)

LIVE: Smt. @priyankagandhi ji leads a mega roadshow in Dharwad, Karnataka.https://t.co/xtp1W7XcPn

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri @AmitShah holds roadshow in Madikeri, Karnataka. #PoornaBahumata4BJP https://t.co/qIieSTUC9B

— BJP (@BJP4India)

After Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a “poisonous snake” and later expressed regret, the BJP’s Telangana incharge Tarun Chugh on Friday wrote to the Election Commission urging it to file an FIR against the former and bar him from campaigning in the upcoming Karnataka elections. 

In the letter, the BJP leader stated that Kharge's remark has violated several model of conduct and claimed that comparing anyone to a ‘poisonous snake’ in Indian society projects such an individual being an enemy, untrustworthy, unfaithful, treacherous, and deceitful. 

The door-to-door voting for voters above the age of 80 years and person with disabilities has begun today. It has been implemented for the first time in the state as part of the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023. 

BJP National President Shri @JPNadda holds roadshow in Dharwad, Karnataka. #PoornaBahumata4BJP https://t.co/gBr67pUPCu

— BJP (@BJP4India)

"SMS (Siddaramaiah, Mallikarjun Kharge and Shivakumar) is dangerous for the development of Karnataka. This SMS will destroy the future of Karnataka. Only double-engine govt can save Karnataka," said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan. 

#WATCH | SMS (Siddaramaiah, Mallikarjun Kharge and Shivakumar) is dangerous for the development of Karnataka. This SMS will destroy the future of Karnataka. Only double-engine govt can save Karnataka: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan pic.twitter.com/lFOwBlCoBn

— ANI (@ANI)

"Congress must learn from the history and should focus on governance instead of abusing me. They abused me 91 times and they got punished everytime for doing so. This time, people will give them beffiting reply through votes," said PM Modi. 

#LIVE | PM Modi gives reply to Mallikarjun Kharge's 'Poisonous snake' remarks; 'People will give them befitting reply'#KarnatakaElection2023#PMModi#MallikarjunKharge

Tune in to watch here - https://t.co/JBOJSkzT7L pic.twitter.com/o9B8tKGPhm

— Republic (@republic)

"It's only under the BJP, that Karnataka has attracted record-breaking Foreign Direct Investments. Under the Congress rule, Karnataka used to attract the annual FDI worth around Rs. 30,000 crore, whereas under the BJP, this number stands at around Rs. 90,000 crore," said PM Modi in Karnataka's Bidar district. 

PM Modi said, "The elections in Karnataka aren't just meant to form government here for 5 years, but for making the State Number 1 in the country! These elections will decide the role of Karnataka in realising the dream of a Developed India."

"To ensure the true development in Karnataka, continuation of the Double-Engine Govt is a pre-requisite. Only such a Double-Engine and Double-Power Govt can make Karnataka Number 1," he said while addressing a public rally in Bidar district's Humnabad region. 

PM Shri @narendramodi addresses public meeting in Humnabad, Karnataka. #PoornaBahumata4BJP https://t.co/7wDVtnBmFv

— BJP (@BJP4India)

As many as 27 BJP cadres from the Hubballi-Dharwad Central constituency have been expelled from the party after the senior leadership learned that these party cadres are working in favour of party turncoat Jagadish Shettar. 

Taking to Twitter, Rajya Sabha MP and senior Supreme Court advocate, Mahesh Jethmalani, said, "LOP Kharge’s poisonous snake invective against PM Modi is surely a new low in political discourse even by Congress standards. But he should at least have been restrained by the high office he occupies which now stands utterly denigrated. Congress seems not to have learnt the lessons of history: every occasion they’ve stooped to gutter personal abuse against the PM the party has suffered an electoral rout. This time too the PM will emerge stronger and the Lotus will bloom in Karnataka." 

LOP#Kharge’s “ज़हरीला साँप “ invective against #PMModi is surely a new low in political discourse even by Congress standards. But he should at least have been restrained by the high office he occupies which now stands utterly denigrated. Congress seems not to have learnt the…

— Mahesh Jethmalani (@JethmalaniM)

In the poll-bound Karnataka, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold multiple road shows and public meetings today in the run to assembly elections. He will hold road shows in Madikeri, Byndoor and Managalore assembly. In Udupi and Byndoor, he will participate in a public meeting. Notably, several other BJP star campaigners including veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rajnath Singh and JP Nadda will also campaign for the saffron camp. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead BJP campaign in Karnataka today by participating in three public meetings and a roadshow. He will address the public rally at Humnabad, Vijaypura and Kudachi at 11 am, 1 pm and 2:45 pm, respectively. PM Modi will also take part in a roadshow at 6:15 pm in the Bengaluru North constituency. According to reports, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda will also campaign for the saffron camp in Karnataka parallel to PM Modi. 

The Congress urged the Election Commission (EC) on Friday to ban Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from campaigning for the May 10 Karnataka Assembly polls for their alleged derogatory statements against the minority community that create an atmosphere of communal disharmony. 

Home Minister Amit Shah holds a key meeting at Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Jagadguru Peetha, Harihar with Vachanananda Swamiji in Karnataka. He spent a considerable amount of time discussing all issues including changes in the reservation, and Karnataka elections and gets emotional as he sees a coffee table book with the representation of Akhand Bharata.

Speaking to Republic, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, grandson of former Prime Minister and veteran JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and son of ex-Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, "It's a full stop for films for now and I will be in politics full-time for now. Ours is not a family party but a party for the people of Karnataka. My vision for the youth is to create jobs and employment, special focus on education too."

He added, "The Congress' guarantee will remain only words and it cannot be implemented. I agree that there are fewer toilets for women in my constituency and I work towards constructing more toilets for the public and will also bring in water for farmers for irrigation."

There was a competition within the Congress in abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur claimed on Friday and asserted the party will get a befitting reply from the people.
 

Karnataka Pradesh Committee President DK Shivakumar on Friday slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after its MLA leader Basangouda Patil Yatnal called.

"This is not just an insult to Sonia but an insult to womanhood," he said.

BJP MLA Yatnal likened Gandhi to a "vishakanya" (venomous) in retaliation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's "venomous snake" barb hurled at Prime Minister Modi, with the comments drawing sharp response from the opposition party which sought the legislator's expulsion. 

Senior Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, G Parmeshwara, was attacked during the election campaigning in Karnataka's Koratagere. He was hit on the head with a stone.

Geetha Shiva Rajkumar, wife of Sandalwood legendary actor Rajkumar's elder son and daughter of former Karnataka chief minister S Bangarappa joined Congress officially in the presence of DK Shivakumar.

Actor Shiva Rajkumar will also join the Congress campaigns from tomorrow in Shimoga along with his wife Geetha.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday promised allocation of Rs one crore for each village panchayat, and Rs 5,000 crore for the Kalyana Karnataka region if his party is voted to power in the May 10 State Assembly polls.

Training guns on the Congress over its President M Mallikarjun Kharge's 'venomous snake' barb at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the party and its leaders have lost their mind.

Noting that Modi is welcomed across the world with a lot of respect, he said the Congress cannot instigate people with such statements, because the support for the Prime Minister will increase, as much as they abuse him.

"Congress is lacking on issues, in the last nine years Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased India's pride in the world, he has worked to make India prosperous, he has made India's infrastructure strong, he has made India's borders safe. Wherever Modi ji goes across the world people there welcome him with 'Modi-Modi' slogans," Shah said.
 

BJP delegation on Friday met the Election Commission and requested the poll panel to register a criminal case against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and bar him from campaign in the Karnataka assembly polls over his "poisonous snake" barb at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We will win the Karnataka elections and form govt here; no one can stop. And this is also fixed that as BJP love 40 number the most, Karnataka people will give only 40 seats to them. Congress will get at least 150 seats....," says Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi at Kalaburagi in Karnataka

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday, addressing a rally in Kalaburagi in Karnataka, said, "50 thousand job posts are lying vacant. We will fill these 50 thousand jobs. We will give you the special education sector policy here so that IITs and IIMs also come here. We will give several benefits to the people of the state."

Addressing a poll rally at the Navalgund Assembly constituency in Karnataka, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Only a member of a poor family can understand the pain of the poor. Those 'Congress Shehzada' can never understand the pain of the poor...BJP has secured the safety of Karnataka people by banning PFI. Congress should answer why we should not ban PFI."

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah addresses a public meeting in Karnataka's Navalgund ahead of May 10 polls. Amit Shah said, "On one hand, there is Congress party under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and on one hand we have our BJP party under the leadership of PM Modi. This election is to decide whether the Karnataka public wants a double-engine govt (BJP) to take the stage forward or a reverse-gear govt (Congress)".

#KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023 | This election will decide the future of farmers and youths of Karnataka: Amit Shah in Navalgund, Karnataka.#AmitShah #Karnataka #KarnatakaElection2023 #Navalgundhttps://t.co/JBOJSkzT7L pic.twitter.com/fS2QRnZgzK

— Republic (@republic)

After BJP MLA Basanagouda Yatnal called Sonia Gandhi "Vishkanya", Congress President DK Shivakumar condemned the remark and asked PM Modi and CM Bommai to apologise.

"I demand an apology from PM Modi and Karnataka CM Bommai. Sonia Gandhi ji has sacrificed a lot. BJP doesn't respect women. This shows the culture of the BJP".

#BREAKING | Abuse politics takes Centre stage in poll-bound Karnataka. Congress leader DK Shivakumar demands the expulsion of BJP leader who called Sonai Gandhi 'Vishkanya.'#KarnatakaElection2023 #DKShivakumar https://t.co/dRdrOUuh75 pic.twitter.com/ExqL1JYMa2

— Republic (@republic)

BJP National President JP Nadda addresses a public meeting in Karnataka's Madhugiri and urged voters to vote for double engine government. 

#BREAKING | BJP National President JP Nadda campaigns in Madhugiri, Karnataka.#KarnatakaElection2023#JPNadda #BJP #Karnataka https://t.co/JBOJSkzT7L pic.twitter.com/vB3TEw79w3

— Republic (@republic)

In response to the BJP MLA's Vishkanaya remark on Sonia Gandhi, Congress' Randeep Surjewala stated that Karnataka BJP leaders have lost their mental and political balance. 

Taking to Twitter, Sujewala stated, "The Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka and its leaders have lost their mental and political balance. Facing a complete rout in the assembly elections, BJP leadership is frustrated to the core and is hurling filth and muck, which is the product of their ugly character and dirty mindset of denigrating and insulting the Congress Leadership. They have lost all sense of propriety, political balance and even a remote iota of decency and decorum".
 
He added, "Instructed by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and supported by Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai, BJP leader and Modi Ji’s personal favourite, Shri Basangouda Patil Yatnal has stooped to the lowest by calling UPA Chairperson and former Congress President, Smt Sonia Gandhi as “Visha Kanye” and “Agent of China and Pakistan”. This is the worst kind of sacrilege and abuse being hurled upon Smt Sonia Gandhi and Congress Leadership at the instance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai".
 
BJP leadership and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have made a profession of abusing the Nehru Gandhi Family. PM Modi himself has, in the past, called Smt Sonia Gandhi as “Congress Ki Vidhwa” and even used filthy language like calling her “Jersey Cow”.
 
The filth and muck being hurled at Smt Sonia Gandhi,  who is the wife of a Former Prime Minister who was martyred for the country, reflects the absolutely debased and undignified character of the BJP and its leadership. 

The sad part is that all of this has the tacit approval of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Amit Shah, Shri JP Nadda and Shri Basavaraj Bommai.

The character and dignity of Shri Narendra Modi will be tested today. If Prime Minister has even an iota of decency or dignity, he should immediately expel Shri Basangouda Patil Yatnal from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Otherwise, it will be proved that the debased, ugly and deranged remarks being made by Yatnal against Smt Sonia Gandhi are at the instance of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister, Shri Basavaraj Bommai
 
We also demand that Prime Minister, PM Narendra Modi and Chief Minister, Shri Basavaraj Bommai should tender an unconditional public apology to Smt Sonia Gandhi as also to the Congress Leadership.

BJP MLA Preetham Gowda has hinted that (former PM) H.D. Deve Gowda of the JD(S) and PM Narendra Modi discussed an alliance. During an election campaign rally in Hassan on April 26, BJP candidate Preetham Gowda stated “Voting for the JD(S) is nothing but voting for the BJP".

"I am telling you this so that you understand, if you vote for JDS it’s like voting for BJP. Devegowda and Modi have already finished talking about this. JDS will get 20-25 seats. If you’ve to reach Bangalore you don't go via Mysore rather go through Hassan. Left is left you all. If you vote for JDS also you have to come to me only".

Amid the row over Karge's 'poisonous snake' remark on PM Modi, Karnataka BJP MLA Basanagouda Yatnal has now made a foul statement about ex-Congress president Sonia Gandhi. While addressing a speech at Koppal, Yatnal called Sonia Gandhi a Visha Kanya (amounts to witch/ poisonous maiden) and called her a Pakistan and China agent.

Basanagouda Yatnal said, "The entire world has accepted PM Modi, America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he's attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compare him to a cobra and says he's poisonous. Your party and on whose orders you dance, is that Sonia Gandhi a Vishakanya? (Witch/poisonous damsel). She is an agent for China and Pakistan".

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai ups his ante against Congress and its president Mallikarjun Kharge over the 'Poisonous Snake' remark on PM Modi. He said, "people will teach a befitting lesson to the Congress as they treat people like slaves

LIVE : ಜಂಟಿ ಮಾಧ್ಯಮಗೋಷ್ಠಿ, ಕೆಪಿಸಿಸಿ ಕಚೇರಿ. https://t.co/DopPk5GjvA

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

While targeting Kharge over 'Modi is like a venomous snake' remark, veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa said, "Nobody will forgive Kharge for his comment on PM Modi. He should apologise. Being the president of All India Congress Committee, sich statement is not suitable for Kharge." 

BJP Senior leader KS Eshwarappa stopped Tamil Nadu state song at campaign meet of Tamil people in Shivamogga and insisted on playing Karnataka state song.

The incident took place on Thursday in Shivamogga during an invocation at a campaign meeting of Tamil community members. According to reports, a BJP office bearer announced that the Tamil Nadu state song would be played as an invocation. But as the song started playing, it left Eshwarappa visibly disturbed. Therefore, the Senior leader insisted that the Kannada state song should be played instead. 

BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit chief and co in-charge of party affairs in Karnataka K. Annamalai was also on the dais.

After Kichcha Sudeep, Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is set to campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in poll-bound Karnataka. 

A BJP worker in Varuna constituency, identified as Nagesh, has been allegedly beaten up by the nephews of Siddaramaiah when he was canvassing for BJP leader V Somanna. Nagesh who was injured during the clash has been admitted to a nearby hospital and is undergoing treatment. A complaint has been filed against Siddaramaiah's nephews. While commenting on the incident, Siddaramaiah said, "I'm not aware about this incident. I'll ask what happened and speak." 

In the May 10 Karnataka Assembly Polls, BJP has fielded V Somanna to contest against the Congress heavyweight Siddaramaiah from the Varuna constituency. 

After Rahul Gandhi claimed that if Congress government comes to power in Karnataka, all women can travel free in public transport buses, Karnataka CM Basavaraja Bommai mentioned that such provisions has already been announced in the budget presented by BJP in Karnataka. 

"This facility to women of free bus passes is already announced in our budget and necessary provisions have been made. @INCKarnataka is running out of ideas. @RahulGandhi as usual is ignorant of the facts. However people will not believe congress guarantees," said Bommai. 

This facility to women of free bus passes is already announced in our budget and necessary provisions have been made. @INCKarnataka is running out of ideas. @RahulGandhi as usual is ignorant of the facts. However people will not believe congress guarantees. https://t.co/SU9dYgs7GK

— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai)

While targeting the Congress over Kharge's 'Modi is like a venomous snake' remark, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said, "I don't know why Kharge felt like that about him (Modi). How right is it to speak about a Prime Minister like this? Congress has come to this level by speaking like this before. The intoxication of power has not yet come down for Congress. In a well cultured land like Karnataka we must respect everyone. It brings me sorrow that such senior leader is speaking in this manner." 

After filing a complaint against Union Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, "He is inciting the people stating that if Congress comes to power there will be riots, it's wrong to say that being in a responsible position. I want to thank him though for accepting that Congress will come to power." 

Further targetting PM Modi, Shivakumar said, "PM Modi has targetted us and about our schemes. We do not make false promises. From the 40 percent commission they are charging- we can allot money for our schemes from it." 

Controversial mining baron and politician Janardhan Reddy while talking to Republic hit out at the BJP and Congress stating that they have done nothing for Karnataka. Speaking to Republic, Reddy is confident that his party will win 25 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections. 

Janardhan Reddy also revealed that he has not been approached by any political party for the coming polls. However, he still considers BS Yediyurappa as his political mentor. 

BJP candidate Manikanth Rathod while speaking with Republic slammed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and said, "The Kharge's have only looted the people of Karnataka. There has been no development for over 2 decades. People want a change. They have filed false cases to frame me. Will defeat the Kharge family and will win by a thumping majority." 

Congress leaders, including DK Shivakumar and Randeep Singh Surjewala, filed a police complaint against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and organisers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally on Thursday for allegedly making ‘hateful and provocative statements’. The development came after Congress alleged that Shah during his public rally in Vijayapura district of Karnataka made false and derogatory speeches against the grand old party. 

Apart from Home Minister Amit Shah, the Congress party has also lodged a complaint against BJP leader V Somanna. 

"As soon as the Congress government comes to power in Karnataka, we will implement the 5th guarantee that all women can travel free in public transport buses," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. 

#WATCH | As soon as the Congress government comes to power in Karnataka, we will implement the 5th guarantee that all women can travel free in public transport buses: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi #KarnatakaElection2023 pic.twitter.com/8hMSuw5Z9w

— ANI (@ANI)

Responding to Kharge's reaction, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, "I don't know why Kharge felt like that about him (PM Modi). How right is it to speak about a Prime Minister like this?"

"Congress has come to this level by speaking like this before. The intoxication of power has not yet come down for Congress. In a well-cultured land like Karnataka, we must respect everyone. It brings me sorrow that such a senior leader is speaking in this manner. I feel that the intoxication of power has not yet come down for Congress," Bommai added. 

Clarifying his remark after he was criticised for his remarks on Prime Minister Modi, the Congress president said, "The BJP party is like a snake and if you try to lick it you will die that's what I meant. I did not tell it to him (PM Modi), I will not target anyone personally but your ideology is poisonous, that's what I meant."

Taking a U-turn, the Congress chief added, "I am not someone who will make personal statements against any individual. I called BJP poisonous snake." 

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday isssued an apology for his "poisonous snake" comment on PM Narendra Modi. "If my statement has hurt anyone, if it was misconstrued and distressed anyone, I will express special regret for it," Mallikarjun Kharge said. 

… अपितु जिस विचारधारा का वो प्रतिनिधित्व करते हैं, उसके लिए था।

प्रधानमंत्री मोदी जी के साथ हमारी लड़ाई निजी लड़ाई नहीं है। वैचारिक लड़ाई है।

मेरा इरादा किसी की भावना आहत करने का नहीं था और अगर ज़ाने अनजाने में किसी की भावना आहत हुई तो ये मेरी मंशा कदापि नहीं थी…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge)

Ahead of the Karnataka elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a personal attack on rime Minister Narendra Modi while he was campaigning in Kalaburagi. Taking a dig at PM Modi, Kharge said, “PM Modi is like a 'poisonous snake', you might think it’s poison or not. If you lick it, you’re dead…”

#KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023 | PM Modi is like a 'poisonous snake', you might think it’s poison or not. If you lick it, you’re dead...: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Kalaburagi pic.twitter.com/Bqi7zVFnO9

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday held a roadshow in Tadasa village of Shimoga district ahead of the upcoming polls in Karnataka polls, scheduled for May 10.   

#WATCH | Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai holds a roadshow in Tadasa village of Shimoga district pic.twitter.com/Ad3Y4jfZmD

— ANI (@ANI)

#LIVE | Kannada Actor Kiccha Sudeep campaigns for Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai ahead of the Assembly polls.#KannadaActor #KicchaSudeep #BasavarajBommai #KarnatakaElections2023 https://t.co/JBOJSkzT7L pic.twitter.com/Vz1PVIA4R6

— Republic (@republic)

While commenting on Congress' complaint against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his recent riots remark, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said, "These are all political gimmicks by Congress. There is nothing in that complaint."  

#WATCH | These are all political gimmicks by Congress. There is nothing in that complaint: Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Congress complaint against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his recent riots remark pic.twitter.com/EgmtbOfWXB

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP leader and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, while hitting at Siddaramaih over his claim that Congress will increase the reservation, said, "I would like to ask Siddaramaiah, as per the law, more than 50% reservation cannot be given, do you know about this as you were the Chief Minister. Congress is not coming to power, so Siddaramaiah is giving such statements."

Ahead of the Karnataka Assembly Polls 2023 slated on May 10, Janata Dal (Secular) leaders Narayana Gowda and Prabhakar Reddy joined Congress in presence of Karnataka party chief DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru.  

Karnataka | JD(S) leaders Narayana Gowda and Prabhakar Reddy join Congress in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/0SkbaCr4Zf

— ANI (@ANI)

While confirming PM Modi's visit to poll-bound Karnataka, BJP leader & Union minister Shobha Karandlaje, said, "PM Modi will visit Karnataka on 29th April. During his visit, the PM will hold a 4.5 km roadshow in Bengaluru." 

PM Modi will visit Karnataka on 29th April. During his visit, the PM will hold a 4.5 km roadshow in Bengaluru: BJP leader & Union minister Shobha Karandlaje pic.twitter.com/Yz1fPwapsn

— ANI (@ANI)

After the Karnataka Congress unit lodged a complaint against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his 'state will be affected with riots if Congress comes to power' remark, the BJP said, "Frustrated @INCKarnataka  has stooped to a new low as it is now training its guns on HM @AmitShah  for taking action against its ally - terror org PFI. INC cares only about appeasement & not Kannadigas. They are upset that HM has made Karnataka safer by crushing terror cells." 

Frustrated @INCKarnataka has stooped to a new low as it is now training its guns on HM @AmitShah for taking action against its ally - terror org PFI.

INC cares only about appeasement & not Kannadigas. They are upset that HM has made Karnataka safer by crushing terror cells. https://t.co/F2KY5Wp12b

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

#WATCH | Congress means false guarantee, Congress means guarantee of corruption. Congress is in that state where they cannot give any guarantee. And their warranty has also expired..." says PM Modi during his interaction with Karnataka BJP workers pic.twitter.com/k9OK81LDfK

— ANI (@ANI)

PM Modi said, "Congress didn't have any interest in combatting corruption as it was itself the source of corruption. Since 2014, there has been an intense and vigorous fight against corruption. The 'TRIDENT' of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile has so powerfully struck the Corruption." 

Congress leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala, Dr Parmeshwar and DK Shivakumar on Thursday filed a police complaint in Bengaluru's High Grounds police station against Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah and organisers of BJP rally for allegedly making 'provocative statements, promoting enmity and hatred and maligning' opposition." 

"If you wish to win at the booth levels, ensure forming a strong group comprising 10 women and 10 men. Proceed, strategise, keep each important record about govt's initiatives especially pertaining to welfare of poor, women, youth, Dalits, to name a few. Make sure you're abreast with all the information and data. When this information penetrates into homes, it will make impact, it will help them to analyse and know why to choose BJP. This way, we will serve the people and the nation in a true manner," said PM Modi while virtually interacting with Karnataka BJP cadres ahead of May 10 polls. 

"During my recent visits to Karnataka, I received immense love and blessings from the people of this State. Also, each and every Karyakarta is being poured love from the people all across the State. It shows deep faith of Karnataka's people in the BJP," said PM Modi during his interaction with Karnataka BJP workers. 

"When the booth is victorious, the victory in elections is certain. Your endeavours to register win at the booth levels will actually make the Party win. Being a disciplined Karyakarta of the Party, I'll be joining you, and the people of Karnataka," he added. 

PM Modi during his interaction with Karnataka BJP workers, said, "I will visit Karnataka in a couple of days to receive the blessings of the people of the state. BJP leaders who have campaigned in the state have said that they received a lot of affection from the people there. This shows people's confidence in BJP." 

"I have not represented any Hindus, Muslims or Christians. Whatever facilities I gave (as the then CM), I gave to all communities. That is why I request all communities to support BJP in this election," says former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa.

#WATCH | "I have not represented any Hindus, Muslims or Christians. Whatever facilities I gave (as the then CM), I gave to all communities. That is why I request all communities to support BJP in this election," says former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa. pic.twitter.com/uiPuR3MAoS

— ANI (@ANI)

Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa said, "He (Jagadish Shettar) is going to be defeated here. So, 1 lakh people are going to gather here & we are going to have a big rally and big programme."

#KarnatakaElections2023 | Till 24th April, Rs 83,42,47,650 cash and 15,08,912.091 litres of liquor valued at Rs 57,13,26,042 seized. 1,176.92 kgs of drugs/narcotics with a value of Rs 16,55,95,871 seized till date: Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka pic.twitter.com/LckRr0PfT7

— ANI (@ANI)

Govts of Former CMs Siddaramaiah and HD Kumaraswamy created bottlenecks to hinder Modi govt schemes. DK Shivakumar is saying that they will uplift the ban from PFI, should such people be allowed to come (to power)?: BJP chief JP Nadda in Chikkaballapur

#WATCH | BJP national president JP Nadda holds a roadshow at Sidlaghatta in Chikkaballapur district.#KarnatakaElections2023 pic.twitter.com/hT72iTM2Tz

— ANI (@ANI)

AIADMK withdraws their candidate in the State Election. Following an interaction with BJP's top functionaries over the phone and according to their request, a decision was taken to withdraw AIADMK candidate D. Anbarasan's nomination for Pulikeshi Nagar, according to news agency ANI. 

Voters of Pulakeshinagar up in arms against former mayor Sampath Raj on Monday, April 24. The voters demanded that Sampath Raj shouldn't be allowed to campaign in Pulakeshinagar. Voters allege Sampath Raj's involvement in KJ Halli and DJ Halli riots. Voters further called out slogans against Congress party and say that they will boycott the party if Sampath Raj is allowed to campaign for Congress candidate Srinivasa. 

Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led central government in Belagavi, Congress leader and the disqualified MP Rahul Gandhi remarked, "GST has been implemented only to help the rich in the country - five different taxes. It's a very complicated tax structure. Half of the people can't even understand when and how they have to file it. The big businesses have accountants, while the small businesses don't. So, small businesses shut down. When our Govt comes to Delhi, we will change this GST. There will be one tax and minimum tax," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Ramdurg, Belagavi. 

#WATCH| Karnataka: "Nowadays, focus is only on 2-3 billionaires, but it should be on farmers, labourers and small vendors....billionaires get loan from bank easily & if something happens, it gets waived off easily but farmers loans are never waived off": Rahul Gandhi, Congress… pic.twitter.com/AcVTuDLra1

— ANI (@ANI)

"I had never imagined becoming the CM, but the party's high command decided it. Now also, the party high command will take a decision. Jagadish Shettar & Laxman Savadi enjoyed all powers in BJP and they later joined the Congress party. They will not be accepted by the people of the state," said Karnataka CM & BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai on upcoming Assembly elections.

Massive support and enthusiasm at the roadshow in Gundlupet (Chamarajanagar).

ಗುಂಡ್ಲುಪೇಟೆ (ಚಾಮರಾಜನಗರ)ಯಲ್ಲಿ ರೋಡ್‌ ಶೋಗೆ ಅಭೂತಪೂರ್ವ ಜನಬೆಂಬಲ ಮತ್ತು ಜನೋತ್ಸಾಹ. https://t.co/DD9PkmJRuC

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah who is in poll-bound Karnataka for BJP's campaign was seen offering prayers at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru on Monday morning.

#WATCH Union Home Minister Amit Shah offers prayers at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple in Karnataka's Mysuru pic.twitter.com/0PagLa05jS

— ANI (@ANI)

#WATCH Union Home Minister Amit Shah offers prayers at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple in Karnataka's Mysuru pic.twitter.com/1Y8TCBmNvo

— ANI (@ANI)

The Karnataka BJP, taking to Twitter, said, "After choosing to stay under the "able leadership" of @RahulGandhi for years, @INCKarnataka has now chosen to ally with the practically non-existent @cpofindia for the Assembly Elections. A party that won't win, allying with the one that can't!" This comes after the Communist Party of India announced its support to Congress in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls, slated on May 10. 

Ahead of the Karnataka elections, the I-T department conducts raids at two residential premises of former Congress leader Gangadhar Gowda and an educational institution in Belthangady of Dakshina Kannada

A FIR has been lodged against BJP leader Hanumanthappa for allegedly distributing money to people for participating in the nomination rally of BY Vijayendra. According to sources, the complaint was filed based on a viral video.

After a video surfaced on social media platforms showing a Karnataka Congress MLA MB Patil allegedly assaulting a youth, the BJP launched a stinging attack on the party. Taking to Twitter through official Karnataka BJP handle, the party said, "Goondaism is in the DNA of Congress. Arrogant @INCKarnataka MLA @MBPatil physically assaults a youth for sharing his grievances. Getting beaten up for sharing grievances is the ONLY guarantee that Congress delivers." 

Goondaism is in the DNA of Congress

Arrogant @INCKarnataka MLA @MBPatil physically assaults a youth for sharing his grievances.

Getting beaten up for sharing grievances is the ONLY guarantee that Congress delivers.#CongressGuaranteePakka420 #CriminalCongress pic.twitter.com/n0IjWN0tPA

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

Taking to Twitter, Siddaramaiah said, "In Varuna Constituency @BJP4Karnataka candidate V. Somanna is reported to be obstructing the election campaign. It is not right if this is done by our party workers or someone else. All candidates should be allowed to campaign freely. Every candidate is allowed to campaign in elections held under a democratic system. Do not disturb it. Ultimately the voters decide their choice." 

ಪ್ರಜಾಪ್ರಭುತ್ವ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯಡಿ ನಡೆಯುವ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗೂ ಪ್ರಚಾರ ಮಾಡಲು ಅವಕಾಶ ಇದೆ. ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಅಡ್ಡಿ ಪಡಿಸಬಾರದು.

ಅಂತಿಮವಾಗಿ ಮತದಾರರು ತಮ್ಮ ಆಯ್ಕೆಯನ್ನು ತಾವೇ ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ.
2/2

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to pace up the political campaigns for the BJP in poll-bound Karnataka. He will hold multiple road shows today at Chamarajanagar and Hasan. Amit Shah is also scheduled to visit Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru to offer his prayers. 

#KarnatakaElections2023 | During UPA govt, we did a caste census. PM Modi must publicise that data, it will be clear as to how many OBCs, STs, Dalits, and minorities are there. PM Modi isn't releasing the data of the OBC census because he doesn't want to give the wealth of India… pic.twitter.com/4vBiDG0zai

— ANI (@ANI)

#WATCH | BJP govt is the most corrupt in India, they take 40% commission...the same money was used to steal MLAs of previous govt. Will the PM tell about source of money used to buy MLAs in Goa, MP, Karnataka, Northeast...: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi#KarnatakaElections2023 pic.twitter.com/OP43bgmzBi

— ANI (@ANI)

#WATCH | Basava ji said to help the weak, not the billionaires.He never wrote about giving country's wealth to Adani.When I raised Adani issue in Parliament, my mic was switched off, my speech was erased...:Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi & BJP on Adani row #KarnatakaElections2023 pic.twitter.com/CitIGLJGMz

— ANI (@ANI)

As politics heat up days ahead of the Assembly elections in Karnataka, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai launched his election campaign in Bengaluru on Sunday.

#WATCH | Karnataka CM and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai holds a roadshow in Tumkur.#KarnatakaElection2023 pic.twitter.com/sESJXMwlEj

— ANI (@ANI)

Hitting out at the Congress, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the "Gujarat-based dairy cooperative had entered the state when Congress was in power."

Further talking on the current Amul-Nandini row in the state, FM said "things were tweaked, twisted and made an emotional issue because it is election time in Karnataka, where Assembly polls would be held on May 10."

"In India's scheme of things, every state has its own milk cooperative. Karnataka's Nandini - whoever doesn't recognise it? Even now as I've come, I had Nandini milk, curd, peda... Of course in Delhi I'll buy Amul. I represent Karnataka (but) in Delhi, if Nandini isn't available, I'm mentally not a sanyasi to say I won't drink milk if Nandini isn't available. I still buy Amul. That's not being against Karnataka," Sitharaman said.

Strengthening Nandini and dairy farmers in Karnataka had never been a question, she said, adding that it would continue to happen. Nandini too sold its products in other states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh just like other state dairies' products are also available in Karnataka, she pointed out. "Good competition I would say... The idea is therefore to strengthen India in every aspect. That's why India became the world's largest milk producer," she said.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, April 23, the Karnataka Congress remarked that, "Congress made Basavanna's portrait mandatory in government offices. Congress wrote the foreword for the development of Anubhava Mandapam by earmarking money. Congress has encouraged the collection of sharanas including Basavanna. Congress is adopting and following Basavanna's principles."

ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಕಚೇರಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬಸವಣ್ಣನವರ ಭಾವಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನು ಕಡ್ಡಾಯಗೊಳಿಸಿದ್ದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್.

ಹಣ ಮೀಸಲಿಟ್ಟು ಅನುಭವ ಮಂಟಪದ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ಮುನ್ನುಡಿ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್.

ಬಸವಣ್ಣ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಶರಣರ ವಚನಗಳ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹ ನೀಡಿದ್ದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್.

ಬಸವಣ್ಣನ ತತ್ವಗಳನ್ನು ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು, ಪಾಲಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವುದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್.

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

Communist Party of India has decided to extend support to Congress in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls on 215 constituencies, the party said in a statement on Sunday.

Slamming CPI's move the Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its official twitter handle remarked, "In a historic move, almost-irrelevant @INCKarnataka allies with the long-forgotten @cpofindia! The fading diya seeking assistance from a damp matchstick, their shared vision is as clear as a foggy day. A classic case of the blind leading the blind. Political tragicomedy!."

In a historic move, almost-irrelevant @INCKarnataka allies with the long-forgotten @cpofindia!

The fading diya seeking assistance from a damp matchstick, their shared vision is as clear as a foggy day.

A classic case of the blind leading the blind. Political tragicomedy! https://t.co/wvAa5A4ISe

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

"Standing with the cow slaughterers and posing for a photo with a smile should make it clear to the people of the state, Karnataka Congress, what is your stance on cow slaughter ban," the Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remarked. 

ಗೋಮಾತೆಯನ್ನು ಕಡಿಯುವವರ ಜತೆ ನಿಂತು, ನಗುನಗುತ್ತಾ ಫೋಟೋಗೆ ಪೋಸು ಕೊಡುವ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಗೋಹತ್ಯಾ ನಿಷೇಧದ ಕುರಿತಾದ ನಿಲುವು ಏನು ಎನ್ನುವುದನ್ನು @INCKarnataka ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಜನತೆಗೆ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟಪಡಿಸಬೇಕು.#AntiHinduCongress https://t.co/LlMJntX8Aq pic.twitter.com/vo8yBzq5Oq

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

Former Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jagadish Shettar met Rahul Gandhi on Sunday for the first time after joining Congress and said that he became a part of the grand old party because of the "ill-treatment" advocated by the BJP.

In his first public meeting after he vacated his bungalow in the national capital, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that it is easy to question others but difficult to question oneself.

Rahul Gandhi’s remark while addressing the gathering at Basava Jayanti celebrations held in Bagalkot.

BJP national president JP Nadda will visit Karnataka on 24th April for his three-day visit ahead of the upcoming Karnataka Elections 2023. He will participate in a road show in Sidlaghatta, Chikkaballapura dist. He will also visit the temple at Sirsi in Uttara Kannada dist. and will address several public meetings

| Mysuru: "What's the contribution of BJP to Varuna constituency? People have understood that whatever development has taken place is because of me and my son," says Former Karnataka CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah

PM Modi to address massive convention at Shettyhalli, in Channapatna taluk, Ramnagar district. Conventioni to be held in 40 acres of land where preparations are underway. 

The PM will further do roadshows and will address raillies in Kolar and Mysuru too. 

"Prime Minister Modi is our pride and he is coming toi our taluk and we are working towards that. On April 30th he will come to Channapatna and it will be the biggest political gathering that you will ever see. We expect around 2-3 lakh people. They are planning one program for every 10 assembly constituencies and the owrk for it has started in 30-40 acres," said BJP candidate from Channapatna, CP Yogeshwara. 

#WATCH | Karnataka LoP and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah visits Siddeshwara Swamy temple in Karya village in the Mysuru district of Karnataka pic.twitter.com/nKhnwJg2F6

— ANI (@ANI)

I will again contest from the Dharwad district for this election. We have done a lot of work here. We have solved the problems of farmers and provided water to the people...Injustice was done to the Lingayat community by Congress: Karnataka Minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa

Election Commission officials checked the chopper in which KPCC Chief DK Shivakumar's wife arrived in Dakshina Kannada's Belthangady. The footage of the incident showed that an argument also broke between pilot and an EC official where a pilot can be heard saying the officials that this is a private chopper and not election campaign chopper to check. "The permission too had been taken," the pilot said. Shivakumar's wife along with her son and daughter had arrived to visit Dharmasthala. Shivakumar also expected to visit Dharmasthala temple.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha took a dig at former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On Twitter, Pratap Simha said, "Siddaramaiah is afraid of losing out on Varuna and is repeatedly visiting the constituency." He said Siddaramiah, after hearing Somanna's name, has come under fear of losing to the BJP party and its leaders. "Siddaramaiah, who had said that he would contest the elections in Varuna and would come only to file his nomination papers, came running two days before Somanna's name was announced; today he is back and will be here next week. Fear! There must be that fear, Siddaramaiah!" read Simha's tweet.

ವರುಣಾದಲ್ಲೇ ಚುನಾವಣೆ ನಿಲ್ಲುವುದಾಗಿಯೂ ಹಾಗು ನಾಮಪತ್ರ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಲಷ್ಟೇ ಬರುತ್ತೇನೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿಹೋಗಿದ್ದ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯನವರು ಸೋಮಣ್ಣನವರ ಹೆಸರು ಘೋಷಣೆಯಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆಯೇ ನಾಮಪತ್ರ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಲು 2 ದಿನ ಮೊದಲೇ ಓಡಿಬಂದರು, ಇವತ್ತು ಮತ್ತೆ ಬಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ಮುಂದಿನವಾರ ಇಲ್ಲೇ ಇರುತ್ತಾರಂತೆ! ಭಯ! ಆ ಭಯ ಇರಬೇಕು ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯನವರೆ! pic.twitter.com/BnIqPhy1eb

— Pratap Simha (@mepratap)

"BJP legal team and CM Office are trying everything to make sure Congress candidates nominations' are disqualified. I request ECI to collect the call register of CM. In Savadatti also, the same thing happened. CM himself called officials," said Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the meeting, which was attended by election-incharges and general and organisational secretaries of the party ahead of the elections in the state of Karnataka. During the meeting, the senior leadership named an observer as election in-charge for all the districts in Karnataka.

As the political arena is heating up ahead of Karnataka assembly elections on May 10, the Bharatiya Janata Party has stepped up its campaign, with party chief JP Nadda holding a roadshow and rally in Bidar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah holding a meeting state BJP leaders.

BJP leader Nadda is on a two-day visit to the poll-bound state. He held a roadshow in Bidar on Friday in support of party candidates. While addressing a public gathering, he said, "BJP has always worked with a sense of commitment towards the betterment of society, whereas Congress has had a long history of interrupting social welfare schemes established by either the Centre or the previous BJP governments."

READ THE FULL STORY

Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Friday claimed that Vishwanath Patil, a 3-time former MLA is going to join Congress party. He further said, former BJP leader Arvind Chauhan is also going to join the Congress party.

#KarnatakaElection2023 | Vishwanath Patil, a 3-time former MLA is also joining us. Chittapur is an important constituency. Arvind Chauhan is also joining us: Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar pic.twitter.com/emAyebUSa0

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Friday claimed that Vishwanath Patil, a 3-time former MLA is going to join Congress party. He further said, former BJP leader Arvind Chauhan is also going to join the Congress party.

#KarnatakaElection2023 | Vishwanath Patil, a 3-time former MLA is also joining us. Chittapur is an important constituency. Arvind Chauhan is also joining us: Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar pic.twitter.com/emAyebUSa0

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress leader DK Shivakumar alleged that CM Bommai's office is pressurising EC to accept default nominations from BJP and reject nominations of Congress candidates.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday shared a video of a local man who was seen wiping rainwater from cutouts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi put up on the way to a proposed roadshow of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka’s Devanahalli.

“The unwavering trust in PM Narendra Modi Ji and the selfless affection for him is what the BJP has earned and it is its source of strength. Have a look at this beautiful video from Devanahalli, Karnataka,” tweeted Shah.

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds meeting with Karnataka BJP leaders in Bengaluru for upcoming Assembly elections pic.twitter.com/hJapWmiHEQ

— ANI (@ANI)

Shri KB Prasanna Kumar, former Congress MLA from Shimoga Assembly Constituency today joined the Secular Janata Dal Party in the presence of former Prime Minister Shri HD Deve Gowda at his Padmanabhanagar residence, a tweet by JD(S) read. 

ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ, ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಮಾಜಿ ಶಾಸಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೆ ಬಿ ಪ್ರಸನ್ನ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಅವರು ಇಂದು ಮಾಜಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಹೆಚ್ ಡಿ ದೇವೇಗೌಡರ ಸಮ್ಮುಖದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಪದ್ಮನಾಭನಗರ ನಿವಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಜಾತ್ಯತೀತ ಜನತಾದಳ ಪಕ್ಷಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆಗೊಂಡರು. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/Q4aSveFzyR

— Janata Dal Secular (@JanataDal_S)

"Could not be with the people of Devanahalli due to heavy rain. Grateful for the huge turnout despite the inclement weather. Will visit Devanahalli soon for promotion. The enthusiasm of the people of Karnataka reflects that the BJP is going to win massively,' Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted after his roadshow was cancelled due to bad weather. 

ಭಾರೀ ಮಳೆಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿ ಜನತೆಯೊಂದಿಗಿರಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ಪ್ರತಿಕೂಲ ಹವಾಮಾನದ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲೂ ಭಾರಿ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇರಿದ ಜನಸ್ತೋಮಕ್ಕೆ ಕೃತಜ್ಞನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ.

ಪ್ರಚಾರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿಗೆ ಶೀಘ್ರದಲ್ಲೇ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡುತ್ತೇನೆ.

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಜನರ ಉತ್ಸಾಹವು ಬಿಜೆಪಿಯು ಬೃಹತ್‌ ಗೆಲುವು ಸಾಧಿಸಲಿದೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಬಿಂಬಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. https://t.co/7bLUkjwwKh

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah)

Karnataka | Today's roadshow has been postponed to a future date because of heavy rains: Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's roadshow in Devanhalli near Bengaluru

Karnataka | Today's roadshow has been postponed to a future date because of heavy rains: Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's roadshow in Devanhalli near Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/KEazgEVjg3

— ANI (@ANI)

A BJP worker wipes off rainwater from a cutout of PM Modi put up along the route of BJP's roadshow in Devanhalli near Karnataka's Bengaluru

#WATCH | A BJP worker wipes off rainwater from a cutout of PM Modi put up along the route of BJP's roadshow in Devanhalli near Karnataka's Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/0aEYrhr1MG

— ANI (@ANI)

A day after the Karnataka High Court dismissed D K Shivakumar's plea in a disproportionate assets case, the Congress leader on Friday said that he will fight till his last breath. "I will approach the High Courts; I will fight till the last breath. I believe in a court of law. I still believe they have done an injustice. Everything is transparent," Shivakumar said.  "I believe in people's court, they (BJP) are trying to use various agencies...I am very cautious on every move, I am also a political animal," added the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President.

"Will fight till last breath," DK Shivakumar after Karnataka HC dismisses plea in disproportionate assets case

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/xgNHv1XNrg#DKShivakumar #Congress #Karnataka #DisproportionateAssetsCase pic.twitter.com/SRWOMhBNhG

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital)

Meanwhile, the Election Commission today accepted the nomination of Shivakumar for the Kanakapura assembly constituency.
Hitting out at the ruling BJP, Shivakumar alleged that the double-engine government could not help people during the COVID-19 pandemic, drought and other kinds of problems.

"BJP is blackmailing the people of Karnataka. The double engine could not help during Covid, drought and any kind of problems. They are harassing West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and many other opposition government states. We can sustain all these pressures," the Congress leader said.

(With agency inputs)

| Congress's hand is with illegal people, terrorists & anti-nationals who are speaking against Yogi and Modi ji. Imran Pratapgarhi always sings against Modi Ji, now he is the star campaigner for Congress in Karnataka election," Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare said. 

#WATCH | Congress's hand is with illegal people, terrorists & anti-nationals who are speaking against Yogi and Modi ji. Imran Pratapgarhi always sings against Modi ji now he is the star campaigner for Congress in Karnataka election...: Shobha Karandlaje, BJP pic.twitter.com/AEiuhQAvdn

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP National President JP Nadda interacts with key voters and social influencers in Bidar, Karnataka. During the event, he said, "When we talk about elections, on one side there is the Congress party and on the other side there is the Bharatiya Janata Party. From independence till today, Congress has done the work of dividing the society. Sometimes divided in north-south, sometimes divided on language, sometimes divided in region, sometimes divided village by village, sometimes divided on religion and sometimes on method of worship. While distributing, they were so divided that they had nothing left." 

BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje has approached the election commission seeking a disqualification of all the Congress candidates. Karandlaje alleged that the KPCC president and Congress party has collected Rs 25 cr. "It's not right on the part of Congress to be accepting money and under IPC section 171, it's an offence," she said. 

While commenting on Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who has been named as Congress' star campaigner for Karnataka, she said, "We have approached the EC, he has given hate speeches in the past and has disrupted communal harmony. Congress should also come clean on their relationship with Imran." 

The election commission on Friday accepted the nomination papers filed by Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar from the Kanakapura constituency. According to reports, Shivakumar's younger brother, DK Suresh, who filed the nomination from the Kanakapura segment amid speculations of EC cancelling his brother's nomination, will withdraw his name before April 24. 

BJP National President JP Nadda on Friday visited Ramakrishna Ashram in Bidar district of poll-bound Karnataka. During the visit, he said, "We have to walk on the path shown by Swami Vivekananda Ji. His great life has been a lesson in itself. We should draw inspiration from his teachings to enlighten our own lives. You are contributing well in realising PM Modi Ji's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The great works of Gau-Seva, promoting organic farming and empowering the youth is helping further the goal of achieving self-sufficiency." 

"BJP is doing back drop politics. As a precautionary we have filed the nomination. There is conspiracy going on against DK Shivakumar and so we need be cautious," said DK Suresh who filed nomination on Thursday to contest from the Kanakapura constituency. 

Abbaiah Narayanaswamy, current Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment of India, while commenting on charges made on BJP by the Congress about pressurising EC to cancel DK Shivakumar's nomination, said, "DK Shivakumar should go to mental hospital. He should get admitted to a mental hospital. Their charges are baseless." 

While commenting on DK Shivakumar's plea being quashed by the Karnataka HC, he said, "The Karnataka High court or central agencies cannot be influenced by anyone. It's a setback for the Congress." 

"I will approach the High Courts; I will fight till the last breath. I believe in court of law. I still believe they have done an injustice. Everything is transparent," KPCC President DK Shivakumar said after state High Court dismissed his plea seeking withdrawal of CBI probe order by state government against him in disproportionate assets case. 

KPCC president DK Shivakumar amid speculations of his nomination rejection by the EC, said, "All my papers are transparent whatever I have filled to the election commission, Income Tax, ED, Lokayukta & CBI. They are trying to interpret it in a different format. They want to create problems for me & they are harassing me. Notices have been given to me by the income tax department. I don’t want to talk about law/court matters. I am ready to face whatever they give." 

"I didn't expect his (PM) call, it inspires me to win Shivamogga city and we'll try all possibilities to bring the BJP govt back in Karnataka. It’s not something special I have done. I have told the same to PM," said Eshwarappa after getting a call from PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made a telephonic conversation with BJP senior leader KS Eshwarappa. During the call, PM Modi asked about his health and inquired about the ongoing BJP campaign in the state. Eshwarappa assured PM Modi of BJP's victory in Karnataka. 

In a big setback to Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar, Karnataka High Court on Thursday rejected his plea against CBI probe order given by the state government in corruption charges. High Court upheld the sanction granted by state government to CBI to probe the alleged corruption charges against Shivakumar. In 2020, Shivakumar had filed a petition questioning the permission given by the state government for CBI probe the alleged corruption charges against him. 

Karnataka Congress chief Dk Shivakumar said, "They (BJP) want to misuse the power. They want to pressurise the government to disqualify my application. BJP is capable of doing anything." DK Shivakumar's brother MP DK Suresh filed the nomination from the Kanakapura constiuency after Congress feared Shivakumar's nomination paper's validity. 

VIDEO | "They (BJP) want to misuse the power. They want to pressurise the government to disqualify my application. BJP is capable of doing anything," says Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar. #KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023 pic.twitter.com/K5E9UcpSES

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday took a swipe at BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda over his statement where he said, "Karnataka should not be devoid of PM Modi's blessings." He took to Twitter and wrote, "Is it Narendra Modi's blessing that Karnataka BJP leaders have swallowed an estimated one and a half lakh crore rupees in the last four years through 40% commission? Curse JP Nadda?" 

ರಾಜ್ಯ @BJP4Karnataka ನಾಯಕರು 40% ಕಮಿಷನ್ ಮೂಲಕ ಕಳೆದ ನಾಲ್ಕು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂದಾಜು ಒಂದುವರೆ ಲಕ್ಷ ಕೋಟಿ ರೂಪಾಯಿಗಳನ್ನು ನುಂಗಿ ಹಾಕಿರುವುದು @narendramodi ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದವೇ? ಶಾಪವೇ @JPNadda?
8/8#AnswerMadiNadda

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah)

BJP National President JP Nadda on April 21 will conduct several public programmes in the poll-bound Karnataka. At around 11:45 am, Nadda will visit the Ramakrishna Ashram in the Bidar district. In the evening 6 pm, he will hold a roadshow from Sai School to Ambedkar Chowk in the Bidar district to campaign for the BJP ahead of the May 10 assembly polls.

"Congress party is cheating voters by giving false assurances. Congress leaders of this region failed to do any development work here in the last five years. This time there is a pro-BJP wave here. PM had promised to provide tap water connection to every household. Till now, 40 lakh houses have got tap water connections in the state," Karnataka CM & BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai at a public rally in Afzalpur, Kalaburagi district

Slamming Siddaramaiah Bommai further said that  "Siddaramaiah talks of social justice and claims himself as the protector of the poor, downtrodden, and dalits. Congress prospered in the name of dalits but their development never happened. Congress leaders have forgotten Basavanna and Ambedkar."

"They (BJP) want to misuse the power. They want to pressurise the government to disqualify my application. BJP is capable of doing anything," says Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar.

VIDEO | "They (BJP) want to misuse the power. They want to pressurise the government to disqualify my application. BJP is capable of doing anything," says Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar. #KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023 pic.twitter.com/K5E9UcpSES

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

#WATCH | Bengaluru: ...We have majority of candidates from Lingayat community and will never say that vote for us because Lingayat candidates are contesting. Instead, those who are Hindutva should vote for BJP, be it Lingayat, Kurba, or Brahmin. By playing the Lingayat card,… pic.twitter.com/St0AhsYmWZ

— ANI (@ANI)

While speaking exclusively to Republic TV, Hubballi Dharwad's biggest Lingayat face Arvind Bellad stated, "Hubballi-Dharwad is a strong fort of BJP. Worker decides who has to win. Mahesh Thenginkai is a senior leader of the party, he will win with a thumping majority. "

Speaking on Jagadish Shettar's exit the BJP leader said, "This will not matter and he will lose by a huge margin. Jagadish Shettar became a minister and Chief Minister. His brother was MLC twice and Jagadish Shettar has enjoyed all the posts in the party. He is not able to digest Bommai being CM. It's very funny that the Congress call us anti-Lingayat. They portrayed veerendra patil as CM made him CM for 9 months and removed him. Congress trying to divide Lingayats and it's the biggest joke that they want to deliver justice for the Lingayats."

Independent MP Sumalatha from Mandya backs Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stating that "politics of Mandya has always been different from the rest of state, as this place has a strong hold of JD(S) and Congress could not gain any foot hold was because they did not put up strong fight and it was more of an adjustment. People who want a change is looking for BJP hitting out at JD(S)."

"The anti-incumbency factor is always there. When we talk about the JD(S) it is widely seen a family party its only one family which is holding all the important posts and every election they have a member waiting to jump into the fray. JD(S) is more of family owned and family run party. They haave actually made a mockery out of politics," he added hitting out at JD(S). 

Congress leader and Bengaluru Rural MP DK Suresh Thursday filed nomination papers from the Kanakapura Assembly constituency for the Karnataka Assembly elections.

"BJP party is my mother and I can never cheat my mother. I'm not angry with the BJP party for not giving a ticket to my son and I will never betray my mother. Jagadish Shettar is a cheater and he enjoyed all the positions in the party but jumped ship to the Congress for selfish reasons," said party leader K S Eshwarappa. 

Congress MP DK Suresh has filed nomination from Kanakapura constituency on Thursday. Earlier, his elder brother and Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar filed the nomination from the constituency. However, there are chances that DK Shivakumar's nomination may be rejected because of technical reasons. Now, DK Suresh will lock horns with BJP candidate R Ashoka in Kanakapura. 

Union Minister Anurag Thakur, said, "The result will be like 2014 & 2019 and we are going to increase our seats under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi... BJP will win and form the government again in Karnataka." 

#WATCH | The result will be like 2014 & 2019 and we are going to increase our seats under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi... BJP will win and form the government again in Karnataka: Union Minister Anurag Thakur pic.twitter.com/qOfiZvufv5

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, said, "Gangster Atiq Ahmed & Ashraf were his (Imran Pratapgarhi) friends. Imran used to call them brothers... Congress has kept him on the list of star campaigners for Karnataka polls, which shows Congress is in support of criminals and anti-nationals."  

#WATCH | Gangster Atiq Ahmed & Ashraf were his (Imran Pratapgarhi) friends. Imran used to call them brothers... Congress has kept him on the list of star campaigners for Karnataka polls, which shows Congress is in support of criminals and anti-nationals: BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje pic.twitter.com/O3vpXNWSTB

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP to hold a mega show of strength in Hubballi-Dharwad central assembly constituency ahead of Mahesh Thenginkai's nomination filing today. According to reports, Union minister Pralhad Joshi will accompany the BJP candidate.

Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar was denied ticket from the same constituency by the BJP, following which he joined the Congress. He is now contesting against BJP candidate Mahesh Thenginkai on Congress ticket from the Hubballi-Dharwad central segment. 

1. H.D. Devegowda 
2. H.D. Kumaraswamy 
3. C.M. Ibrahim 
4. H.D. Revanna 
5. Nikhil Kumaraswamy
6. Prajwal Revanna 
7. Anitha Kumaraswamy 
8. Kupendra Reddy 
9. Dr. T.A. Sharavana 
10 K.A Thippeswamy 
11 Bhoje Gowda 
12 B.M. Farukh
13 Md Zafrulla Khan
14 K.T Srikantegowda 
15 R. Chowdareddy Thupalli 
16 Bhavani Revanna
17 Appajigowda
18 H.M Ramesh gowda 
19 A.P Rangantha
20 Ku Nazma nazeer
21 Syed Roshan Abbas
22 Salem Pasha
23 Baba Bukhari
24 Basavaraj Kodambal
25 Shah ul Hug Bukhari
26 Afsal S.M.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said, "The prime minister will likely campaign in 20 assembly constituencies. In most of the places it will be rallies and meetings. In some places it will be roadshows."

While talking exclusive to Republic on Thursday ahead of the Karnataka assembly polls, former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar, said, "BJP has Ill treated me and it's affected my self respect because of me joining the Congress there's a boost for the party in North Karnataka and Hubballi-Dharwad region. They have lied to the people that they will make me a Central minister, they only offered me that I will be an MP from Rajyasabha. It's a false propoganda against me. It's a completely false thing."

"What are the reasons for me being denied a ticket? I wanted an honourable exit. It was pre-planned to kick me out of the party. I'm a senior leader and if they had called me one week before I would have accepted. Dharmendra Pradhan treated me like a child. I have joined Congress but my ideologies will not change and will discuss with the Congress leaders about this. Basic structure is wellfare of all the people. I will adjust with the Congress," he added. 

Karnataka state police on Wednesday seized an unaccounted cash of Rs 1.54 crore from a car in the Belagavi district. The Income Tax department has been informed to carry out the further investigation. 

A police official, while commenting on the incident, said, "Following a credible input, a car was intercepted and Rs 1.54 crore was seized. A case is being registered and the IT department has been informed." 

Notably, ever since the model code of conduct came into force in the state on March 29, over Rs 204 crore worth materials have been seized including Rs 76.70 crore cash, Rs 42.82 crore worth liquor and 656.97 kg of precious metals including gold worth Rs 49.71 crore.

The ruling BJP in Karnataka has released its fourth list, naming candidates for remaining two constituencies- Shivamogga and Manvi.In Shivamogga, the party on Wednesday gave the ticket to Channabasappa, while denying it to sitting MLA and senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa's family. The five-time MLA from the constituency, however, is said to have sought the ticket for his son KE Kantesh, from the segment. READ FULL STORY HERE

After JP Nadda asserted that 'PM Modi's blessings is on Karnataka' during a public rally in Shiggaon on Wednesday, Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a stinging attack on the BJP chief. He said, "All states are equal & have same rights according to the constitution. There is no space for dictatorship in democracy. I condemn the statement of JP Nadda about Narendra Modi's blessings on Karnataka. Looks like he needs lessons on democracy. In democracy, people decide the fate of the candidates & the elected representatives can serve them. Narendra Modi is not God to bless anyone." 

Former BJP leader, Ayanur Manjunath, who took exit from the party over denial of ticket from the Shivamogga segment, said, "My first priority was BJP but they didn't announce my name & second was to contest from Congress or JD(S) & third as independent. JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said that I will give you a chance, I will support your thinking so I joined the party." He joined the JD(S) on Wednesday and has been fielded from the Shivamogga Central constituency for the May 10 assembly polls. 

#WATCH | My first priority was BJP but they didn't announce my name & second was to contest from Congress or JD(S) & third as independent. JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said that I will give you a chance, I will support your thinking so I joined the party: Ayanur Manjunath, former… pic.twitter.com/Dbfbhovu3T

— ANI (@ANI)

With just 1 days left for filing of nominations to end for May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka, the Congress on Wednesday is set to announce its fifth list of candidates. 

While speaking exclusively to republic, Jagadish Shettar's challenger Mahesh Thenginkal  stated that, "I have worked as a party worker for 34 years and have risen through the ranks of being from a Booth level worker to the party's state general secretary. As a party's Karyakartha I was given a ticket in 2018 but BS Yeddyurappa asked me to withdraw my nomination and I didn't think even for a minute to withdraw the nomination. Il do whatever the party tells me."

"Jagadish Shettar is my guru and I have worked for him for 30 years and ensured his victory but he's taken a wrong decision and joined the Congress. Party is thinking in a different way and they want to give ticket to workers as well. Im confident of winning by a huge margin. Everybody has appreciated the vision of PM Narendra Modi and world is Looking at India," he added. 

Raghu Achar, former MLC and Congress leader joined Janata Dal(Secular), JD(S), in the presence of party leader HD Kumaraswamy. "Former Legislative Council member Raghu Achar from Chitradurga had already spoken and he himself said that he would join the JDS”, the party chief had told the media on Sunday. 

#WATCH | "I have seen six elections. During filing of nomination, there are a lot of people but when I am filing the nomination for the seventh time, it is a bigger procession and bigger support of the people compared to the earlier 6 elections. So, we can understand people's pulse. This time, Jagadish Shettar, with Congress will win with a huge margin," says Congress candidate from Hubli-Dharwad-Central Jagadish Shettar.

Check Congress' list of star Campaigners
1 Shri Mallikarjun Kharge
2 Smt. Sonia Gandhi
3 Shri Rahul Gandhi
4 Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
5 Shri D.K. Shivakumar
6 Shri Siddaramaiah
7 Shri K.C. Venugopal
8 Shri Randeep Singh Surjewala
9 Shri B.K. Hariprasad
10 Shri M.B. Patil
11 Dr. G. Parameshwara
12 Shri K.H. Muniyappa
13 Shri Jairam Ramesh
14 Dr. M. Veerappa Moily
15 Shri Ramalinga Reddy
16 Shri Satish Jarkiholi
17 Shri Jagadish Shettar
18 Shri D.K. Suresh
19 Shri G.C. Chandrashekar
20 Shri Syed Naseer Hussain
21 Shri Zameer Ahmed Khan
22 Shri H.M. Revanna
23 Smt. Umashree
24 Shri Ashok Gehlot
25 Shri Bhupesh Bhagel
26 Shri Sukhwinder Singh Sukku
27 Shri P. Chidhambaram
28 Shri Prithviraj Chavan
29 Shri Ashok Chavan
30 Shri Shashi Tharoor
31 Shri Revanth Reddy
32 Shri Ramesh Chennithala
33 Shri B.V. Srinivas
34 Shri Raj Babbar
35 Shri Mohammad Azharuddin
36 Kum. Divya Spandana / Ramya
37 Shri Imran Pratapgarhi
38 Shri Kanhaiya Kumar
39 Smt. Roopa Shashidhar
40 Shri Sadhukokila

"Congress is a secular party. We are not asking for votes on the basis of caste. We expect the votes from all communities, including Linagayts, Vokkaligas and other communities," says Karnataka LoP and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah. "The party will decide," he says when asked who will be the CM. 

#WATCH | "Congress is a secular party. We are not asking for votes on the basis of caste. We expect the votes from all communities, including Linagayts, Vokkaligas and other communities," says Karnataka LoP and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah.

"The party will decide," he… pic.twitter.com/1N2xIuBh97

— ANI (@ANI)

Taking to Twitter, Dk Shivakumar said, "In Nelamangala Assembly Constituency today I participated in the campaign activities for the Congress candidate Mr. Srinivas and asked for votes. A gas cylinder was placed in each booth and asked to salute the cylinder before voting." 

ನೆಲಮಂಗಲ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್‌ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ್‌ ಅವರ ಪರ ಪ್ರಚಾರ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗಿಯಾಗಿ ಮತ ಯಾಚಿಸಿದೆ. ಪ್ರತೀ ಬೂತ್‌ನಲ್ಲೂ ಒಂದು ಗ್ಯಾಸ್‌ ಸಿಲಿಂಡರ್‌ ಇಟ್ಟು ಮತದಾನ ಮಾಡುವ ಮುನ್ನ ಸಿಲಿಂಡರ್‌ಗೆ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಮಾಡಲು ತಿಳಿಸಿದೆ. pic.twitter.com/XByAMsxt0U

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar)

Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday filed the nomination papers to contest the May 10 assembly polls from Varuna constituency. He will contest against BJP candidate V Somanna. 

After holding a massive roadshow in Haveri district, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai submitted the B-Form to the election commission office. He was accompanied by BJP chief JP Nadda and Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep. Earlier on April 15, he already filed the nomination from Shiggaon assembly constituency.

Ahead of the May 10 Karnataka assembly polls, Praveen Kammar, BJP Yuva Morcha leader from Dharwad, was killed in Hubbali yesterday. According to the Hubbali Police,  there was a fight between supporters of Praveen and rival politicians where he was stabbed when he went to intervene. Three people have been detained, investigation is underway. 

BJP National President JP Nadda while addressing public rally in Shiggaon, said, "Karnataka Congress means commission, corruption and criminalisation. I am here to appeal to everyone to vote for development." 

"This time, the seventh time, I am going to win with a huge margin,” said Congress candidate Jagadish Shettar after filing nomination from Hubli-Dharwad Central segment, his home constituency in Karnataka. 

VIDEO | "This time, the seventh time, I am going to win with a huge margin,” says Congress candidate @JagadishShettar after filing nomination from Hubli, his home constituency in Karnataka. #KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023 pic.twitter.com/PVR7KhriFY

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

#LIVE | Kannada Actor Kiccha Sudeep addresses the rally in Shiggaon, calls Karnataka CM 'Bommai uncle.'#BasavarajBommai #KarnatakaElection2023#JPNadda #KicchaSudeep https://t.co/dX0DTy7yc1 pic.twitter.com/5wx88ifHyC

— Republic (@republic)

A massive road show has been organised in Shiggaon of Haveri district. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai will contest the May 10 assembly polls from the Shiggaon constituency. According to reports, Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep along with BJP chief JP Nadda will also join Bommai in the road show. 

Ahead of a roadshow in Haveri district, Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep met BJP national president JP Nadda, BJP state president Nalinkumar Kateel and other party leaders at Hubballi airport. 

#WATCH | Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep met BJP national president JP Nadda, BJP state president Nalinkumar Kateel and other party leaders at Hubballi airport. pic.twitter.com/465RlullMI

— ANI (@ANI)

A massive roadshow organised in Shiggaon, where Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is contesting the May 10 assembly polls, has began. CM Bommai is accompanied by BJP chief JP Nadda and Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep along with thousands of party workers. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is addressing the public rally in Shiggaon, where he is the BJP candidate in the upcoming assembly elections slated on May 10. BJP chief JP Nadda and Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep has also participated in the public programme. 

#LIVE | 'I express gratitude for the confidence and love you have shown,' Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai begins his speech in Karnataka's Shiggaon.#BasavarajBommai #KarnatakaElection2023#JPNadda #KicchaSudeep https://t.co/JBOJSkzT7L pic.twitter.com/d39WwPAJ8l

— Republic (@republic)

Congress leader Jagadish Shettar, who recently joined Congress after quitting BJP over denial of ticket, has filed nomination from Hubli-Dharwad-Central Assembly constituency. He will face BJP candidate Mahesh Tenginkai in the election.

A BJP Yuva Morcha leader has been hacked to death in the Dharwad region of Karnataka, sources claimed. BJP has alleged it to be a political killing ahead of the Karnataka assembly polls. 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday released the list of 40 leaders who will campaign for the party in the Karnataka assembly polls slated on May 10. Below is the list of names to campaign for the BJP in Karnataka: 

1. Narendra Modi
2. Jagat Prakash Nadda
3. Rajnath Singh
4. Amit Shah
5. Nitin Gadkari
6. B.S. Yeddyurappa
7.  Nalin Kumar Kateel
8.  Basavaraja Bommai
9. Pralhad Joshi
10. D.V. Sadananda Gowda
11. K.S. Eshwarappa
12. M. Govind Karjol
13. R. Ashok
14. Nirmala Sitaraman
15. Smriti Irani
16. Dharmendra Pradhan
17. Mansukbhai Mandaviya
18. K. Annamalai
19. Arun Singh
20. D.K. Aruna
21. C.T. Ravi
22. Yogi Adityanath
23. Shivaraj Singh Chouhan
24. Hemant Biswa Sharma
25. Devendra Fadnavis
26. Prabhakar Kore
27. Shobha Karandlaje
28. A. Narayanaswamy
29. Bhagavanth Khuba
30. Arvinda Limbavali
31. B. Sriramulu
32. Kota Srinivasa Poojari
33. Basanagouda Patil Yatnal
34. Dr. Umesh Jadhav
35. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy
36.  N. Ravikumar
37. G.V. Rajesh
38. Jaggesh
39. Shruthi
40. Thara Anuradha

In an unique gesture, independent candidate Yankappa paid his deposit money of Rs 10,000 entirely in one rupee coins while filing his nomination from Yadgir constituency of Karnataka. He collected the coins from people across the constituency, to contest the Karnataka elections on May 10.

#WATCH | An independent candidate Yankappa paid his deposit money of Rs 10,000 entirely in one rupee coins while filing his nomination from Yadgir constituency of Karnataka. He collected the coins from people across the constituency, to contest the Karnataka elections on May 10. pic.twitter.com/OIfcLF223d

— ANI (@ANI)

Ahead of filing nomination from the Shikaripur constituency, Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa's son, BY Vijayendra, said, "It's not important for me to become the CM, but it's very important for me how the party has reposed its faith in me, so I have to work for the party." 

#WATCH | "It's not important for me to become the CM, but it's very important for me how the party has reposed its faith in me, so I have to work for the party," says BY Vijayendra, Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa's son and BJP's Shikaripur candidate,. pic.twitter.com/GZ0zzIbJEd

— ANI (@ANI)

Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa's son, BY Vijayendra, offered prayers ahead of filing nomination from the Shikaripur Assembly constituency today. He said, "I am happy that BJP has given me a chance to contest my first election from the same constituency from where BS Yediyurappa ji had contested. We are confident that the people of Karnataka will vote for BJP." 

Resignation spree continues in the BJP across Karnataka as Ayanur Manjunath is set to resign as MLC and also from the primary membership of the BJP. According to sources, Manjunath will submit his resignation to speaker of council Basavaraj Horatti today. He has decided to quit BJP over denial of ticket from the Shivamogga segment. However, the BJP has not yet announced the candidates from Shivamogga and Manvi seats. 

Former MLA Anil Lad has resigned from the Congress party after being denied MLA ticket from the Bellary City. Anil Lad has met JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy late last night and joined his party. Lad has got 'B' form as JD(S) candidate of Bellary City.

Former Karnataka Minister & Congress leader K Shivamurthy, said, "People of the Banjara community are talking among themselves that BJP has given more representation to the Banjara community & Congress has given less representation. No Banjara sister got a ticket. It will affect the party a lot." 

#WATCH | People of the Banjara community are talking among themselves that BJP has given more representation to the Banjara community & Congress has given less representation. No Banjara sister got a ticket. It will affect the party a lot: Former Karnataka Minister & Congress… pic.twitter.com/Eype6hcUJh

— ANI (@ANI)

Former Congress MP BV Nayak has left his party, after being denied a ticket to Devadurga constituency. Ticket has been given to his brother's wife. 

Former Congress MP BV Nayak, on being denied ticket by the Congress, said, "The party neglected me. There is groupism in the party. BJP is working in the national interest under the leadership of PM Modi. I am also thinking of joining BJP. They (BJP) have promised me a ticket from the Manvi constituency."

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) national president JP Nadda has heated the political temprature in poll-bound Karnataka by launching verbal attack on the Congress during one of his election campaign in the state. Nadda hits out by saying, the Congress that divided the country for seven decades is now left divided itself. 

"Division, division, division for 70 yrs..." BJP chief Nadda takes on Congress in poll-bound Karnataka

Read @ANI Story |https://t.co/wMowLVBmAX#Division #BJP #JPNadda #Congress #Karnatakapolls pic.twitter.com/YaENAGqz6l

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital)

"This time there is huge support and I'm confident of winning with the largest majority this time," Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said ahead of filing nomination papers on April 19. He will be accompanied by Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep. "Nothing has shaken. Not even a small brick has changed. We are going to win all three Hubli-Dharwad seats, including Jagadish Shettar's seat," he added. 

#WATCH | Ahead of filing nomination tomorrow for #KarnatakaElections2023, CM Basavaraj Bommai says, "...This time there is huge support and I'm confident of winning with the largest majority this time"; confirms that Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeepa will accompany him tomorrow.… pic.twitter.com/BxfohZTGU9

— ANI (@ANI)

The Congress party released another list of seven candidates for the upcoming election in Karnataka. It has fielded former BJP MLA Jagadish Shettar at the Hubli-Dharwad-Central constituency. He will contest against BJP's Mahesh Tenginkai.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | Congress releases another list of 7 candidates for the upcoming election.

Jagadish Shettar to contest from Hubli-Dharwad-Central. pic.twitter.com/IrtDX5yx44

— ANI (@ANI)

Former Congress MP B V Nayak resigned from the party on Tuesday after being denied a ticket to contest the Karnataka polls from the Devadurga constituency. The ticket has been given to his brother's wife, ANI reported. 

#KarnatakaElections2023 | Former Congress MP B V Nayak quits the party, after being denied a ticket to Devadurga constituency. Ticket has been given to his brother's wife.

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/lqjsR4e4AB

— ANI (@ANI)

"Former minister @RLR_BTM filed his nomination papers as a candidate for BTM constituency with huge crowd. Every vote given to the Congress candidates is a contribution to the construction of grand Karnataka," Karnataka Congress tweeted. 

ಅಪಾರ ಜನಬೆಂಬಲವೇ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಜಯಭೇರಿಯ ಭವಿಷ್ಯ ನುಡಿಯುತ್ತಿದೆ.

ಮಾಜಿ ಸಚಿವ @RLR_BTM ಅವರು ಬಿಟಿಎಂ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿ ಅಪಾರ ಜನಸ್ಥೋಮದೊಂದಿಗೆ ನಾಮಪತ್ರ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು.

ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ನೀಡುವ ಪ್ರತಿ ಮತವೂ ಭವ್ಯ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ನೀಡುವ ಕೊಡುಗೆ.#ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್_ಬರಲಿದೆ_ಪ್ರಗತಿ_ತರಲಿದೆ pic.twitter.com/YaHYOeHmFr

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

K Shivamurthy has been a four-time MLA of the Congress party, and a minister in the Congress government in Karnataka, but is also miffed for not getting the ticket this time.

Shivamurthy said that nowadays there is no one in the Karnataka Congress to take care of the Banjara community.

“The sisters of the Banjara community contributed a lot to make Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra a success, yet when it came to giving tickets, the party gave only three tickets to the Banjara community,” he said.

#WATCH | "The 70 years of Congress (rule) - division, division, division and division. Divide society as much as you can --- north-south, language, caste, creed, religion. The fact is, by dividing and dividing, they themselves are divided now...BJP is unity in diversity. We respect regional sentiments but at the same time national aspiration is always taken into consideration..," says BJP national president JP Nadda during an interaction with intellectuals in Dharwad, Hubballi

#WATCH | "The 70 years of Congress (rule) - division, division, division and division. Divide society as much as you can --- north-south, language, caste, creed, religion. The fact is, by dividing and dividing, they themselves are divided now...BJP is unity in diversity. We… pic.twitter.com/yhkFomgLYn

— ANI (@ANI)

 "Your party flag changed, is your ideology also changed?": BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje slams Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar who quit the BJP & joined the Congress party

#WATCH | "Your party flag changed, is your ideology also changed?": BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje slams Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar who quit the BJP & joined the Congress party#KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 pic.twitter.com/wQsp3qdqgp

— ANI (@ANI)

#WATCH | Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Swami of Moorusavir Mutt says, "All Lingayats support the BJP. I think now also our community will support BJP..."

Mahesh Tenginkai, BJP candidate from Hubli-Dharwad Central constituency met him at the mutt today to seek his blessings.… pic.twitter.com/YXu7cVOZwk

— ANI (@ANI)

#KarnatakaElections2023 | BJP chief JP Nadda arrives in Hubballi. pic.twitter.com/ukdIfH3RLT

— ANI (@ANI)

"In Pavagada today, Congress has campaigned for the candidate Mr. H.V.Venkatesh. I was thrilled to see that more people had gathered at Pavagada than when I filed my nomination papers in Kanakapura yesterday. Tell that this is a prediction of Congress coming to power. Thanks to everyone," tweeted state party chief DK Shivakumar. 

ಪಾವಗಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್‌ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಎಚ್.ವಿ.ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್ ಅವರ ಪರ ಪ್ರಚಾರ ನಡೆಸಿದೆ. ಕನಕಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿನ್ನೆ ನಾನು ನಾಮಪತ್ರ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುವಾಗ ಸೇರಿದ್ದಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಜನರು ಪಾವಗಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇರಿದ್ದನ್ನು ಕಂಡು ರೋಮಾಂಚನವಾಯಿತು. ಇದು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್‌ ಅಧಿಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಬರುವ ಮುನ್ಸೂಚನೆ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿ. ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೂ ಧನ್ಯವಾದ ಅರ್ಪಿಸಿದೆ. pic.twitter.com/abMAhtsy7z

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar)

#WATCH | Karnataka Minister R. Ashoka files his nomination as BJP's candidate from Padmanabhanagar constituency.#KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/24CSiv7QrV

— ANI (@ANI)

I'm surprised that you're speculating that I'm contesting from Mandya: Former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on speculations of him contesting from Mandya constituency

He filed his nomination as the party's candidate from Channapatna yesterday.

I don't agree with the statement of Jagadish Shettar accusing BL Santhosh. We are still very much confident that we will win more than 150 seats: Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa

#KarnatakaElections2023 | Congress MLA KJ George files his nomination from Sarvagna Nagar constituency. pic.twitter.com/creAyV30lw

— ANI (@ANI)

Day after tomorrow, I will start my tour in the state," says former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa. "101% we are going to get absolute majority and we are going to form the Govt," he further says #KarnatakaElections2023

#WATCH | "Day after tomorrow, I will start my tour in the state," says former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa.

"101% we are going to get absolute majority and we are going to form the Govt," he further says #KarnatakaElections2023 pic.twitter.com/yvKE0xhCWQ

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka Special Court denied permission to Congress candidate from Dharwad seat Vinay Kulkarni to enter Dharwad. He will not be able to enter his own constituency. Vinay Kulkarni is an accused in the murder of BJP district panchayat leader Yogesh Gowda.

Gowda was reportedly killed by unidentified men, who came on a bike on June 15, 2016, outside his gym in Dharwad. The case was later handed over to the Central Bereau of Investigation after BJP came to power in the state. While the local police probe identified a property dispute as the reason behind the murder, the CBI investigation pointed out that political rivalry might have led to the crime.

Mahesh Tenginkai, BJP candidate from Hubli-Dharwad Central Assembly constituency speaks about former party leader Jagadish Shettar who recently quit the party after he was not given a ticket from the constituency by BJP in Karnataka

#WATCH | Mahesh Tenginkai, BJP candidate from Hubli-Dharwad Central Assembly constituency speaks about former party leader Jagadish Shettar who recently quit the party after he was not given a ticket from the constituency by BJP in Karnataka pic.twitter.com/VbBbnSEghp

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka minister and seasoned BJP leader Byrathi Basavaraja on Tuesday filed the nomination for the assembly polls slated on May 10. He is contesting from the KR Puram Assembly constituency in Bengaluru. 

Congress leader Jagadish Shettar, who recently left the BJP over denial of ticket, said, "What is happening in all Assembly constituencies of Karnataka, it shows that Lingayat community people are upset and because of his (BL Santosh) attitude everyone is upset. It is affecting the entire system of the party." 

Ramalinga Reddy, MLA from BTM Layout, Bengaluru and Karnataka Congress Working President, said, "Congress will come to power in Karnataka, & I am sure about winning by a margin of 50,000 votes this time. There is a lot of infighting within the BJP. They have not been able to control price rise & they are also involved in a number of scams. My ambition is to bring Congress to power. There are 2-3 seniors from the party, let them become (the CM)." 

Official handle of Karnataka BJP on Twitter, wrote, "Kannadigas have the quality of welcoming innovation with an open heart. We also condoned this quality and allowed more than 50 new candidates in the party this time. Change can be brought about in society only when there is innovation in politics. The 'Karnataka model' will become a model for the country." 

ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರದ್ದು ಹೊಸತನಕ್ಕೆ ತೆರೆದ ಹೃದಯದಿಂದ ಸ್ವಾಗತ ಕೋರುವಂತಹ ಗುಣ. ಈ ಗುಣವನ್ನು ನಾವೂ ಕೂಡ ಮನ್ನಿಸಿ, ಈ ಬಾರಿ ಪಕ್ಷದಲ್ಲಿ 50ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಹೊಸ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಅವಕಾಶ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದೇವೆ.

ರಾಜಕಾರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸತನ ಇದ್ದಾಗ ಮಾತ್ರ ಸಮಾಜದಲ್ಲಿ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ತರಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯ.

'ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಮಾಡೆಲ್' ದೇಶಕ್ಕೇ ಮಾದರಿ ಆಗಲಿದೆ.#BJPYeBharavase pic.twitter.com/8Xg13yNBWh

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

BJP candidate R Ashoka heads to file his nomination for the Karnataka assembly polls slated on May 10. He is contesting from the Kanakapura assembly constituency, against Congress heavyweight DK Shivakumar. 

#LIVE | BJP's R Ashok heads to file his nomination in Kanakapura ahead of the #KarnatakaElections2023.#KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 #BJP #Karnataka https://t.co/uo0a3nu84K pic.twitter.com/BIGaoeb5OG

— Republic (@republic)

Ahead of the May 10 assembly polls, Karnataka BJP on Tuesday released the third episode of video series named 'Karnataka Congress Files.' Taking to Twitter, the party shared the video and wrote, "Karnataka Congress Files Episode 03 Story - Screenplay - Direction :@siddaramaiah,  Makeup - Acting : Kadalur Uday Gowda, Distributor for Wider Karnataka @DKShivakumar. Remember to look, don't forget and despair." 

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಫೈಲ್ಸ್
ಎಪಿಸೋಡ್ 03

ಕಥೆ - ಚಿತ್ರಕಥೆ - ನಿರ್ದೇಶನ : @siddaramaiah
ಮೇಕಪ್ - ನಟನೆ : ಕದಲೂರು ಉದಯ್‌ ಗೌಡ
ವಿಶಾಲ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕಕ್ಕೆ ವಿತರಕ : @DKShivakumar

ನೋಡಲು ಮರೆಯದಿರಿ, ಮರೆತು ನಿರಾಶರಾಗದಿರಿ.#CongressFiles #CriminalCongress pic.twitter.com/hWFsjbl1yD

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar has declared his total asset worth Rs 1214.93 crore, while filing his nomination as a Congress candidates on Monday for the assembly polls slated on May 10. He filed the nomination papers, along with the affidavit, before the Election Commission from the Kanakapur assembly constituency. 

The BJP workers in the Davangere district of Karnataka burnt the portrait of former CM Jagadish Shettar, who recently joined the Congress party, after being denied ticket for May 10 assembly polls from the BJP. The portrait of Shettar, hung on a wall of a party office in Davangere, was taken off and burnt with sloganeering by the workers against the Lingayat leader. 

BJP released its first list of 189 candidates on April 11, followed by the second list of 23 candidates on April 12. The third list of 10 candidates was released on April 17. To date, the saffron party has announced a total of 222 candidates in the 224 member Karnataka assembly.

The candidate names for the Shivamogga and Manvi is due for announcement. In the Shivamogga seat, the son of former Minister KS Eshwarappa, Kantesh is an aspirant. Notably, Eshwarappa has already announced his retirement from the electoral politics. 

BJP released the third list of 10 candidates on April 17. BJP sitting MLA SA Ram Das has been denied a ticket from the Krishnaraja assembly constituency. He is considered to be the prominent leader of the saffron party in his constituency. Ram Das's supporters gathered at large number in front of his residence and raised slogans demanding  a ticket for the leader. 

Another sitting MLA and seasoned BJP leader, Aravind Limbavali has been dropped from the Mahadevapura constituency. However, his wife Manula Aravind Limbavali has been given the ticket. 

BJP's Mahesh Tenginkai said that the BJP has recognised him and gave a ticket to a simple party worker.

He wrote, "The BJP recognised me and gave a ticket to a simple party worker. I am very confident that we will win by a larger margin. We will work together in the Hubli Dharwad Central constituency and make it a model city."

Hubballi, Karnataka | The BJP recognized me and gave a ticket to a simple party worker. I am very confident that we will win by a larger margin. We will work together in the Hubli Dharwad Central constituency and make it a model city: Mahesh Tenginkai, BJP… pic.twitter.com/VZmNBvvZmQ

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP fields General Secretary Mahesh Tenginkai from Hubli-Dharwad Central. This is the constituency of Jagadish Shettar who joined Congress today.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | BJP fields General Secretary Mahesh Tenginkai from Hubli-Dharwad Central. This is the constituency of Jagadish Shettar who joined Congress today.

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP releases third list of candidates. BJP MLA Aravind Limbavali's wife Manjula Aravind Limbavali to contest from Mahadevapura.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | BJP releases third list of candidates.

BJP MLA Aravind Limbavali's wife Manjula Aravind Limbavali to contest from Mahadevapura. pic.twitter.com/Xc7VIautAp

— ANI (@ANI)

Former Karnataka CM and BJP leader Jagadish Shettar, who joined Congress on Monday said he would file nomination on April 19.

He said, "On April 19, I am going to file my nomination. All Congress leaders and followers will be there in the nomination,"

Karnataka BJP leader and former minister KS Eshwarappa wrote an open letter to Jagadish Shettar after he quit the party and joined Congress.

The letter stated, " Congress may have given you a ticket but you will not win on the ground of struggle. If Congress comes to power, they said, they will withdraw the Cow Slaughter Bill. Who will you support then?"

It was further mentioned, "DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah said that they will withdraw the ban on PFI if they come to power. So you support terrorism? Ask that...Will your father's soul in heaven rest in peace with the addition of Congress? You have done so much for BJP. What would you say if your grandson asks why you joined Congress? You should apologize and come back to the party that saved religion and principles. You can come back soon,"

Former Karnataka CM and BJP leader Jagadish Shettar, who joined Congress on Monday, arrived in Hubballi and was welcomed by his supporters at the airport.

#WATCH | Former Karnataka CM and BJP leader #JagadishShettar, who joined Congress today, arrives in Hubballi. His supporters welcome him at the airport. pic.twitter.com/ziDMdcnOzK

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai will file his nomination for the Assembly election on April 19 and actor Kichcha Sudeep will also be campaigning for the Chief Minister.

Karnataka CM & BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai to file nomination for the Assembly election on April 19; actor Kichcha Sudeepa to campaign for the CM.#KarnatakaElections2023

(File Pic) pic.twitter.com/LOTku40z9j

— ANI (@ANI)

Former Chief Minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy while spekaing to the media said, "Party fielded Nikhil in Ramanagaram and me in Channapatna. We filed nomination today,"
 

On being asked if he'll contest from Mandya too, he said, "With affection, some leaders are requesting me. Decision will be taken at a proper time."

Congress leader Rizwan Arshad filed his nomination from Shivajinagar Assembly constituency.

Congress leader Rizwan Arshad filed his nomination from Shivajinagar Assembly constituency.#KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/lBBUWk93dF

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka minister and BJP leader V Somanna filed his nomination from the Varuna Assembly constituency. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai accompanied him in the roadshow and during nomination. V Somanna will contest against Congress leader Siddaramaiah from Varuna constituency.

Karnataka minister and BJP leader V Somanna filed his nomination from the Varuna Assembly constituency. Karnataka CM Basavaraja Bommai accompanied him in the roadshow and during nomination.

V Somanna will contest against Congress leader Siddaramaiah from Varuna constituency. pic.twitter.com/JYY0Manh6X

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka Minister ST Somashekar Gowda files his nomination as BJP candidate from Yeshwanthpur assembly constituency.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | Karnataka Minister ST Somashekar Gowda files his nomination as BJP candidate from Yeshwanthpur assembly constituency. pic.twitter.com/ov4ffCxrRa

— ANI (@ANI)

State Congress chief DK Shivakumar files his nomination from Kanakpura constituency.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | State Congress chief DK Shivakumar files his nomination from Kanakpura constituency. pic.twitter.com/Uzk9QphNdN

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP's Dattatraya Patil files his nomination from Kalaburagi South assembly constituency. He was accompanied by party Karnataka in charge Arun Singh and other leaders.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | Dattatraya Patil files his nomination as BJP's candidate from Kalaburagi South assembly constituency. He was accompanied by BJP Karnataka Incharge Arun Singh and other leaders. pic.twitter.com/o54b3M4EJv

— ANI (@ANI)

Former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy files his nomination from the Channapatna Assembly constituency for the Karnataka Assembly elections.

#WATCH | Former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy files his nomination from the Channapatna Assembly constituency for the Karnataka Assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/WeKJIUMPye

— ANI (@ANI)

Former chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy heads to file his nomination from Channapatna seat.

#BREAKING | Former chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy heads to file his nomination from Channapatna seat.#Karnataka #KarnatakaElections2023 #HDKumaraswamy https://t.co/uo0a3nu84K pic.twitter.com/fLRxjGMgpp

— Republic (@republic)

JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy after filing nomination from Ramanagara said, "When I took ticket from veteran politician HD Deve Gowda, it was a very emotional moment...We delivered during tenure of Mr Deve Gowda & Mr Kumaraswamy. We're very confident."

#WATCH | "...When I took ticket from veteran politician HD Deve Gowda, it was a very emotional moment...We delivered during tenure of Mr Deve Gowda & Mr Kumaraswamy. We're very confident...," says Nikhil Kumaraswamy after filing nomination from Ramanagara#KarnatakaElections2023 pic.twitter.com/eGeVpXKXJI

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka Minister and BJP leader CN Ashwathnarayan filed his nomination as BJP candidate from Malleshwaram constituency.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday addressed a rally in Bhalki, Bidar ahead of Karnataka polls and lashed out at the BJP. He said, "In India, if someone spoke of democracy for the first time and showed the path to it, it was Basavanna ji. Sadly, today people of RSS & BJP are attacking democracy. The thinking of Basavanna ji of participation by all, a place for all & that everyone should go ahead together is being attacked by BJP & RSS. They are spreading hatred and violence in India".

He added, "You know the BJP very well in Karnataka. I didn't coin the slogan of "40% Commission Govt", it was coined by you - the people of Karnataka. But before speaking on BJP, I want to tell you what Congress Govt will do in Karnataka, after winning the election".

#WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "...If we want to take OBC in the country forward and give them their rights, the first step would be for the Prime Minister to release data of the OBC census. PM will never do this as he doesn't want the welfare of OBC. Congress will… pic.twitter.com/WHuuhBZjn3

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao files his nomination as the party's candidate from Gandhi Nagar ahead of polls.

#WATCH | Congress MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao files his nomination as the party's candidate from Gandhi Nagar.#KarnatakaElections2023 pic.twitter.com/OkJrEeeHmP

— ANI (@ANI)

Chandrakanth Patil files nomination as BJP's candidate from Gulbarga North Assembly Constituency. He was accompanied by BJP Karnataka Incharge Arun Singh and other leaders.

Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar held a roadshow in Kanakpura ahead of filing his nomination for the 2023 elections. During the rally, he stated that he doesn't know the agenda of BJP and JDS. "We will cross 150 seats and I am very confident that we will form the government in the state".

#WATCH | I don't know the agenda of BJP and JDS... I have created hundreds of leaders here... Jagadish Shettar, Laxman Savadi and others joined our party and many ministers and MLAs wanted to come but we did not have political space. We will cross 150 seats and I am very… pic.twitter.com/ONY7rUU9wY

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress MLA Priyank Kharge on Monday filed his nomination as the party's candidate from the Chittapur assembly constituency.

#WATCH | Congress MLA Priyank Kharge files his nomination as party's candidate from Chittapur assembly constituency.#KarnatakaElections2023

(Video: Priyank Kharge's office) pic.twitter.com/yvMZjfV9KH

— ANI (@ANI)

Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of HD Kumaraswamy filed his nomination from the Ramanagara Assembly constituency.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Monday issued his first response over Jagadish Shettar jumping ship to Congress. He said, "Shettar has gone to the party that expelled Veerendra Patil, Bangarappa and Devaraj Urs. First, they honour and then insult after the election. Jagdish Shettar will be used and thrown out. Till BS Yediyurappa is with us, Lingayats will be with us".

Karnatka Minister CN Ashwathnarayan said, "People are very smart and they understand the challenges. Jagadish Shettar was a 6-time MLA. He was even the CM. He was a party pres, LoP - he occupied all positions. If he left even after getting everything, what will people say? Congress will have a setback taking Jagadish Shettar...".

He added, "No chance. They (Congress) will not be able to reach even their present number of 79. They will not cross their existing number...BJP will come back with a comfortable majority, with a record margin,

#WATCH | K'taka Min CN Ashwathnarayan says, "...#JagadishShettar was a 6-time MLA. He was even the CM. He was a party pres, LoP - he occupied all positions. If he left even after getting everything, what will people say? Congress will have a setback taking Jagadish Shettar..." pic.twitter.com/1YeHKe5d2Z

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to the media after former Karnataka CM and BJP leader Jagadish Shettar joined the party and said, "This will empower (the party), there is unity. This shows that everyone is happy with the atmosphere that is forming in Karnataka today and all leaders are connecting with us...This is not a question of Lingayats, they are connecting with us by looking at our programs. We welcome them".

Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar gave the 'B' form to Jagadish Shettar, ahead of his nomination filing for assembly polls. The former Karnataka CM joined Congress today, a day after he quit the BJP.

Karnataka Congress MLA Priyank Kharge stated that Jagadish Shettar has quite an exuberant experience in active politics and he has been an anchor for the BJP in not only that region but the entire state. "The way he has been ill-treated by the BJP has not gone down well with his community & himself...He is going to strengthen our party in the region and within the community".

In a big embarrassment to BJP, Former CM BS Yediyurappa's son and BJP candidate BY Vijayendra faced a backlash from residents of the Shikaripura taluk located in the Taralaghatta village. Banjara people vented their ire against the BJP govt for its decision on internal reservation for SCs and implementing the Sadashiva Commission report.

Congress senior leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Siddaramaiah welcomed Jagadish Shettar into the party. He said, "We saw Jagadish Shettar as an opposition but now we all are onboard the boat. Shettar has a very humble personality and is a straightforward person. He has been a leader for two years now. On a personal front I and Shettar have always had a very cordial relationship, he said. 

The Congress leader further slammed BJP stating, "Shettar was loyal to BJP and has worked honestly for them for several decades now. He has always been a very active member of the BJP and has raised his voice on several issues, even when Congress was ruling. He is one of the tallest leaders of the Lingayat community. He was in politics when HD Devegowda started his career in politics. The BJP leaders today are insulting their former party leaders without considering the efforts that those leaders have made".
 

#LIVE | Battleground Karnataka: 'Jagadish Shettar is a tall leader and a very humble personality,' says former CM of Karnataka Siddaramaiah after Shettar joins Congress.#JagadishShettar #KarnatakaElections2023 #Congress#BJPhttps://t.co/qqjWkkNsVO pic.twitter.com/ASme6XNgQn

— Republic (@republic)

Jagadish Shettar addressed the press conference after joining Congress in Bengaluru. He stated, "Yesterday I left BJP and today I joined the Congress party. Many are surprised as an opposition leader, former CM and party president is joining Congress. BJP has given me every position and being a party worker I always worked for the party's growth".

Shettar further said, "I was responsible for building the BJP party in north Karnataka. They did well because of my hard work.  but the BJP party stated that they won't give me a ticket. They did not have productive talks with me. they denied to give me a ticket. I am a person who values self-respect. If I have to work for the people, then I had no other option but to join Congress".

Jagadish Shettar added, "I am wholeheartedly joining Congress. I was contacted by Congress leaders including DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, Randeep Surjewala and MB Patil. When they invited me, I came without any second thought".

#LIVE | Battleground Karnataka: Biggest critics of Congress Jagadish Shettar joins the grand old party after quitting BJP over ticket distribution issue. #JagadishShettar #KarnatakaElections2023 #Congress#BJPhttps://t.co/qqjWkkNsVO pic.twitter.com/uftjY1E7SF

— Republic (@republic)

A day after quitting BJP, former Karnataka CM and BJP MLA Jagadish Shettar joined Congress on Monday in the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, KPCC president DK Shivakumar & Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala, Siddaramaiah at the party office in Bengaluru.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | Karnataka's former CM and BJP leader Jagadish Shettar joins Congress.#JagadishShettar #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 #BJP

Tune in to watch here - https://t.co/uo0a3nuFUi pic.twitter.com/7HYXkmXlIe

— Republic (@republic)

Former Karnataka CM and BJP MLA Jagadish Shettar on Monday reached the Congress office in Bengaluru and is likely to join the party a day after quitting BJP. Siddaramaiah stated that he will join the party and Congree will make statement once he is inducted. 

This development comes after Shettar met Congress top brass including Randeep Surjewala, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.

Jagadish Shettar, the former Karnataka chief minister who recently quit the BJP, said he will take a call on joining another party by Sunday evening. This comes after Shettar resigned as MLA from the Sirsi constituency. "I will take the decision about joining any other party by today evening. I will go to Bangalore and give my resignation to the party. The High Command has offered me Rajya Sabha membership but I did not accept it," Shettar said. READ HERE

#WATCH | Hubli: I will take the decision about joining any other party by today evening. I will go to Bangalore and give my resignation to the party. The High command has offered me Rajya Sabha membership but I did not accept it: Former BJP MLA Jagdish Shetter pic.twitter.com/tQdIbEeKDw

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said there is a strong undercurrent in favour of Congress in poll-bound Karnataka but pressed on his leaders to ensure that the party wins at least 150 seats so that the next government is not "stolen" by a corrupt BJP.

He also reminded everyone that people in the party have a duty to defend the idea of India from the RSS and BJP amid hatred, violence and attacks on the country's institutions. The Congress leader arrived in Karnataka on a two-day event to take part in a series of events in Kolar, Bengaluru and Bidar before flying back to Delhi. READ HERE

After resigning from the post of MLA and from the BJP's principal membership Jagadish Shettar said that he will discuss his next move with the activists.

In this regard, Jagadish Shettar took to Twitter and said, "Fed up with the political events of the past few days, I have resigned from my MLA seat and will discuss my next move with the activists. As usual, I believe that your love and blessings will always be with me". Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Sunday said that Jagadish Shettar was humiliated and BJP has crumbled like a house of cards.  

Surjewala took to Twitter and said, " Humiliate, Insult, Throw away! This is how Modi-Bommai disgrace.... A Former Chief Minister, A Leader of Opposition, A six times BJP MLA, A Senior Most BJP Lingayat Leader! BJP's CHAL, CHEHRA & CHARITRA! BJP has crumbled like a House of Cards," he said. 

Earlier Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had mentioned that JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah had promised Shettar a big post in Delhi.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, state party chief DK Shivakumar and general secretary KC Venugopal visited Nandani Milk parlour in JP Nagar, Bengaluru amid the brand's row with Amul. 

#KarnatakaAssemblyElections | Amid row over the entry of Amul in the state, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, state party chief DK Shivakumar and general secretary KC Venugopal visited Nandani Milk parlour in JP Nagar, Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/JzfJrTP5uf

— ANI (@ANI)

"Karnataka’s Pride - NANDINI is the best!" Rahul tweeted. 

Karnataka’s Pride - NANDINI is the best! pic.twitter.com/Ndez8finup

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the BJP will form a government again in Karnataka, where Assembly elections are scheduled next month.

Addressing a public meeting in south Goa where he kicked off the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign for 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Shah said the mood of people is in favour of BJP in Odisha and Telangana.

He referred to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks on BJP's victory in "small states" of Goa and Uttarakhand earlier and said Kharge shouldn't insult small states. Shah also said Congress was wiped out in recent polls in the Northeast after Rahul Gandhi campaigned for the party.

He said the Congress always considered Northeastern states as their stronghold due to a sizeable minority population in these states, but the outcome of recent polls favoured BJP.

"I saw the mood of people in favour of BJP in Odisha and Telangana. I want to tell Kharge ji and Rahul baba that the BJP will form a government in Karnataka again," he added.

Shah said when BJP won elections in small states like Goa, Uttarakhand, and in the Northeast, Kharge said these are small states.

"They are small states but they are important states of the country. Khargeji should not insult small states," Shah added.

He said small states are important parts of the country and it is the policy of the Modi government to have a "bigger responsibility towards small states".

"Small states are the 'dharohar' of our country and they are as much important as big states. The smaller the state, the bigger the responsibility of the Centre to work for its development. This is the policy of the Modi government," Shah said.

(With PTI inputs)

"BJP in Karnataka is a symbol of corruption in the whole country no matter what PM says or does...people of Karnataka are keen to teach a lesson to the 40% Sarkar," Rahul Gandhi said during his address in Bengaluru.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | "BJP in Karnataka is a symbol of corruption in the whole country no matter what PM says or does...people of Karnataka are keen to teach a lesson to the 40% Sarkar": Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/fvKicKT4No

— ANI (@ANI)

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Sunday claimed that his party will win at least 130 seats in the upcoming assembly polls and the gateway to South India for the BJP will be "totally closed". In an interview with PTI, former Karnataka chief minister Moily predicted that the Congress would not get any less than 130 seats in the 224-member assembly while the BJP would not cross the 60-mark in the May 10 assembly polls. Tap here to read more. 

ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್‌ ಹತಾಶೆಯಿಂದ ಸಮಾಜದಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಳ್ಳು ಸುದ್ದಿ ಬಿತ್ತರಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ಸಿನ ಪಿತೂರಿಗಳನ್ನು ವೀರಶೈವ ಸಮಾಜ ನಿರ್ಲಕ್ಷಿಸಲಿದೆ.

- ಶ್ರೀ @BSYBJP, ನಿಕಟಪೂರ್ವ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳು.#BJPYeBharavase pic.twitter.com/YlPBim8Y2n

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

"I will take the decision about joining any other party by today evening. I will go to Bangalore and give my resignation to the party. The High command has offered me Rajya Sabha membership but I did not accept it," former BJP MLA Jagdish Shetter told ANI. 

#WATCH | Hubli: I will take the decision about joining any other party by today evening. I will go to Bangalore and give my resignation to the party. The High command has offered me Rajya Sabha membership but I did not accept it: Former BJP MLA Jagdish Shetter pic.twitter.com/tQdIbEeKDw

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said his party would be voted to power in the coming Assembly elections in Karnataka, and the new government would formally approve its poll promises in the first cabinet meeting itself.

The poll 'guarantees' announced by the party are 'Gruha Jyothi' offering 200 units of free electricity every month to all, Gruha Lakshmi' giving Rs 2,000 per month to every woman head of the family, Anna Bhagya' offering 10 kg rice to each member of a BPL family every month and 'Yuva Nidhi' where Rs 3,000 will per month be given to unemployed graduates and Rs 1,500 per month to diploma holders for two years.

These schemes will be implemented on the first day in the first cabinet meeting itself, Gandhi said during the 'Jai Bharat' rally in Kolar in the run-up to the May 10 elections.

(With PTI inputs)

"This time PM Modi is aiming for ‘Mission Dakshin’, especially ‘Mission Karnataka’ for 2023 with 130 plus seats. People of Karnataka want majority government this time," Tamil Nadu BJP state president K Annamalai told ANI. 

This time PM Modi is aiming for ‘Mission Dakshin’, especially ‘Mission Karnataka’ for 2023 with 130 plus seats. People of Karnataka want majority government this time: Tamil Nadu BJP state president K Annamalai pic.twitter.com/LyFKBqUqyr

— ANI (@ANI)

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, who resigned as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA on Sunday, said he was yet to decide whether he would join the Congress.

Shettar tendered his resignation as an MLA to Karnataka Assembly Speaker, Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, at Sirsi on Sunday. "I am going to tender my resignation as an MLA and will also resign from the primary membership of the party. Later, I will decide my next course of action, whether I have to fight independently or with a party. The ill-treatment and humiliation by the senior leaders of the party have hurt me a lot," Shettar told ANI. 

"Not decided yet": Ex-Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar on joining Congress

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/f83sN7lTF7#Karnataka #JagadishShettar #Congress #BJP pic.twitter.com/diWwTGSCzP

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital)

"I said in the parliament that Adani has a shell company. I questioned who owns the Rs 20,000 crore? First time in history the BJP govt didn’t let the parliament function. Usually, the opposition stops the parliament from functioning," said Rahul Gandhi. 

He added, "I wrote two letters to the Speaker that I want to respond to the allegations against me, but I was not given a chance. He laughed and said I can’t do anything. He said to drink tea with him and he’ll explain. I said you are the speaker of the parliament, whatever you want to do in the parliament you can do, why are you not doing your work? He is scared to put the Adani issue in the parliament & after that, I was disqualified from the parliament." 

Kolar, Karnataka | I said in the parliament that Adani has a shell company. I questioned who owns the Rs 20,000 crore? First time in history the BJP govt didn’t let the parliament function. Usually, the opposition stops the parliament from functioning: Congress leader Rahul… pic.twitter.com/BouaA9btXE

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Kolar, said, "BJP govt in Karnataka took 40% commission for whatever work they did. A letter was written to PM that 40% commission is being taken for every work, but he has not yet replied, it means that PM has accepted that 40% commission has been taken." 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is addressing a 'Jai Bharat' convention in Karnataka's Kolar, where he made the Modi surname remark in the run for 2019 general elections. 

LIVE: ಜೈ ಭಾರತ್ ರ‍್ಯಾಲಿ, ಕೋಲಾರದಿಂದ ನೇರ ಪ್ರಸಾರ https://t.co/owPQp3BwZI

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai said, "Jagadish Shettar has been a senior and an important leader in this region. JP Nadda and Union Home Minister had promised a big post in Delhi to Shettar. Everything would have been fine if the former CM had continued."

Jagadish Shettar has been a senior and an important leader in this region. JP Nadda and Union Home Minister had promised a big post in Delhi to Shettar. Everything would have been fine if the former CM had continued: Karnataka CM & BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai in Hubballi pic.twitter.com/yzOi7OBr2X

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress MLA and Mallikarjun Kharge's son, Priyank Kharge, while taking a dig at the BJP, said, "It's very unfortunate how the senior leaders who have built the BJP from scratch are being treated in Karnataka. It's not only Jagadish Shettar, look at what happened to Gulihatti D Shekar. All those who built the party are today being forced to resign or they are being denied tickets. Even Mr Yediyurappa is being treated so badly. He has been the face of BJP in the entire south of India. Unfortunately, today they are scampering for their existence." 

While addressing a press conference, veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa said, "Even when Lakshman Savadi lost the elections, he was made a MLC from the BJP and was elevated to the post of Deputy CM. He also served in the core committee. He had a tenure of 5 years and 2 months as a MLC, he could have become the minister in next term. I want to tell Savadi that his decision is a betrayal of trust that the party had in him. The people will never forgive." 

Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa while commenting on Jagadish Shettar's resignation from BJP, "We made him (Jagadish Shettar) the CM of Karnataka, and we made him the state BJP president. The statements given by him have made us unhappy. People knew about Jagadish Shettar only because of BJP. Dharmendra Pradhan had offered Jagadish Shettar, a ministerial position in the cabinet. We had offered a ticket to Jagadish Shettar's family. But he didn't respond to it." 

People from Karnataka will not forgive Jagadish Shettar. Dharmendra Pradhan had offered Jagadish Shettar, a ministerial position in the cabinet. We had offered a ticket to Jagadish Shatter's family. But he didn't respond to it: Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa on Jagadish… pic.twitter.com/9UAMCTNvI7

— ANI (@ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address 'Jai Bharat' convention in Karnataka's Kolar today, where he made the Modi surname remark in the run for 2019 general elections. 

Taking to Twitter, official handle of Karnataka Congress, wrote, "The Dictatorship must be defeated, India must win. Divisional politics must be defeated, united India must win. Scams must die, truth must prevail. Busy in his struggle for truth @RahulGandhi is arriving at Karunada ground shortly for the "Jai Bharat" convention." 

ಸರ್ವಾಧಿಕಾರ ಸೋಲಬೇಕು, ಭಾರತ ಗೆಲ್ಲಬೇಕು.
ವಿಭಜನಾ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಸೋಲಬೇಕು, ಏಕತೆಯ ಭಾರತ ಗೆಲ್ಲಬೇಕು,
ಕುತಂತ್ರಗಳು ಸಾಯಬೇಕು, ಸತ್ಯ ಗೆಲ್ಲಬೇಕು.

ಸತ್ಯದೆಡೆಗಿನ ಹೋರಾಟದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರತರಾಗಿರುವ @RahulGandhi ಅವರು ಕೆಲವೇ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ "ಜೈ ಭಾರತ" ಸಮಾವೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ಕರುನಾಡ ನೆಲಕ್ಕೆ ಆಗಮಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. pic.twitter.com/Fzwa6NHaXP

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka)

Jagadish Shettar submitted his resignation to Karnataka Legislative Assembly speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri on Sunday. He has resigned as a MLA of the Hubli-Dharwad Central Assembly constituency. Earlier in the day, he sent his resignation letter to Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel.  

#WATCH | BJP leader & Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar reaches Sirsi where he will tender his resignation as an MLA.

Jagadish Shettar will also resign from the primary membership of BJP later today. pic.twitter.com/B5cIocWg3z

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said, "I and Jagadish Shettar had great attachements and the party was also really good toward him. But he took his decision of leaving the party over denial of ticket from Hubli-Dharwad Central Assembly constituency. There was no conspiracy as the decision was taken by BJP high-command." 

Karnataka Congress unit slammed the BJP on Sunday after senior BJP leader and former CM Jagadish Shettar sent his resignation to the state BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel. Taking to Twitter, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, said, "Humiliate, Insult, Throw away! This is how Modi-Bommai disgrace…. A Former Chief Minister, A Leader of Opposition, A six times BJP MLA, A Senior Most BJP Lingayat Leader! BJP’s CHAL, CHEHRA & CHARITRA! BJP has crumbled like a House of Cards!"

Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar has sent his resignation to the state party chief Nalin Kumar Kateel. According to sources, he is flying to Sirsi city from Hubbali to meet Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and submit his resignation as a legislator. He has also slammed the BJP Karnataka In-charge for not ensuring BJP's vistory in the poll-bound state. 

Sources say that Shettar will leave the Sirsi city after tendering resignation to the assembly speaker and reach to Bengaluru where he's likely to meet Congress leaders and join the party. Shettar is also expected to take the Congress membership in presence of Rahul Gandhi, who will address a public rally in Kolar today. 

BJP leader and Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar, while commenting on his next move on Sunday, said, "I am going to tender my resignation as an MLA and I will also resign from the primary membership of the party. Later I will decide the next course of action, whether I have to fight independently or with a party."  

"The ill-treatment and humiliation by the senior leaders of the party have hurt me a lot. My decision (to resign from BJP) is final. Some state leaders are mishandling the BJP system in Karnataka," he added. 

#WATCH | I am going to tender my resignation as an MLA and I will also resign from the primary membership of the party. Later I will decide the next course of action, whether I have to fight independently or with a party: BJP leader & Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar pic.twitter.com/CzUmZzCDLs

— ANI (@ANI)

Karnataka BJP on Sunday released the Episode 1 of video series 'Karnataka Congress Files.' Taking to Twitter, the official handle of Karnataka BJP posted the video and wrote, "Karnataka Congress Files Episode 01 Story - Screenplay - Direction:@siddaramaiah, Makeup - Acting: Vinay Kulkarni, Distributor for Wider Karnataka:@DKShivakumar. Don't forget to look. Do not forget and despair." 

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಫೈಲ್ಸ್
ಎಪಿಸೋಡ್ 01

ಕಥೆ - ಚಿತ್ರಕಥೆ - ನಿರ್ದೇಶನ: @siddaramaiah
ಮೇಕಪ್ - ನಟನೆ: ವಿನಯ್ ಕುಲಕರ್ಣಿ
ವಿಶಾಲ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕಕ್ಕೆ ವಿತರಕ: @DKShivakumar

ನೋಡಲು ಮರೆಯದಿರಿ. ಮರೆತು ನಿರಾಶರಾಗದಿರಿ.#CriminalCongress pic.twitter.com/og5bzKzG9T

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address 'Jai Bharat' rally in Karnataka's Kolar today, where he made the Modi surname remark in the run for 2019 general elections. 

According to reports, several senior Congress leaders including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala, KPCC chief D K Shivakumar, legislature party leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah will attend the event. 

ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷವು ಕರುನಾಡನ್ನು ಹೊಸ ಎತ್ತರಕ್ಕೇರಿಸುವ ದಿನಗಳು ಸಮೀಪದಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಶ್ರೀ @RahulGandhi ಅವರು ಚಿನ್ನದನಾಡು ಕೋಲಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯಲಿರುವ ಬೃಹತ್ ಸಮಾವೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಇದನ್ನು ಪುಷ್ಠೀಕರಿಸಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ನಾಳೆ ನಡೆಯಲಿರುವ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಅನುಕೂಲಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಸಕಲ ಸಿದ್ಧತೆಗಳು ನಡೆದಿದ್ದು, ಸ್ಥಳಕ್ಕೆ ತೆರಳಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ ನಡೆಸಿದೆ. pic.twitter.com/13od1TzoFt

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar)

The Congress party is expected to release the remaining 15 names of candidates soon for the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023. The party on Saturday, released the third list of 43 candidates for the upcoming polls. So far, 209 names have been announced out of 224. 

Former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar on Saturday announced his resignation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after he was denied a ticket for the May 10 state assembly polls. The 67-year-old politician said he would also resign from the assembly. 

Hubballi, Karnataka | "They (Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan & CM Basavraj Bommai) met me.......they told me that my family members can contest the election & I will be given other important position, but I refused...": BJP leader & Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar… pic.twitter.com/4bU0AcxWjl

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP leader and former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar to resign from the party on Sunday. "There is a conspiracy against me, will tell everything after resigning," he said.

Union ministers and BJP leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Pralhad Joshi along with CM Basavaraj Bommai held a meeting with Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar at his residence in Hubballi.

#KarnatakaElections2023 | Union ministers & BJP leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Pralhad Joshi along with CM Basavaraj Bommai held a meeting with Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar at his residence in Hubballi. pic.twitter.com/JQkZB9DHlu

— ANI (@ANI)

The Janata Dal (Secular) on Saturday released a list of six more candidates for the May 10 Assembly elections in Karnataka.

With this, the party has so far released a list of 149 candidates. The first list comprising 93 was released in December last year and 50 on Friday.

The party has fielded former Congress MLC Raghu Achar from Chitradurga. He had recently joined the JD(S) after being denied a ticket by Congress.
 

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar said, "State election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, CM Bommai and Pralhad Joshi coming to meet. After the meeting, I will take a decision. Earlier, I was supposed to file a nomination by April 17 or 18, now, that might change. All parties want to take the opportunity of the situation."

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has assets of Rs 49.70 crore, reveals his election affidavit filed before the returning officer on Saturday to contest for the May 10 Assembly elections from Shiggaon constituency in Haveri district.

The investment details show that he has movable properties of Rs 5.98 crore, while he got Rs 1.57 crore as wealth got from the Hindu Undivided Family.
 

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar states that the BJP should make a decision on his ticket by 8.30 PM.

#BREAKING: Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar sets second deadline for BJP; says 'party should decide on his ticket by 8:30 pm'#Karnataka #JagadishShettar #BJP #KarnatakaElection2023

Tune in- https://t.co/uo0a3nu84K pic.twitter.com/iUtwNEwfux

— Republic (@republic)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Madal Virupakshappa gets bail after paying a bond of Rs 5 lakhs in Karnataka bribegate. He has been asked to depose once in three weeks before the Lokayukta and cooperate with them in the investigation.

BM Mallikarjuna also known as 'Fighter Ravi' resigns from the primary membership of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"During the so-called Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' the party's Karnataka state president said that the word “Hindus” is bad. I am asking Congress what is your relationship with SDPI and also your role behind PFI which has been banned by the government," said BJP National spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.

Congress on Saturday again repeated the "40% commission" charge against the Bommai government. Congress leader Gourav Vallabh asked, "Why CM and BJP is mum on the allegation of taking 40% commission from contractors on government tenders? Why is ED, CBI or Income Tax not investigating this case? I request agencies to open their eyes and take cognisance of the corruption case."

After Congress announced its third list, BJP Karnataka chief Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "With great difficulty, they have announced the third list. They are still struggling to find candidates for other constituencies...Our candidates have been announced on merit and not on any other criteria."

"I have explained everything to him, and a solution will be there. I am still hopeful; I believe in the party's high command. I have not spoken to any other political party," said BJP leader and former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar in his meeting with party leader and Union minister Pralhad Joshi in Hubballi over election ticket in upcoming Assembly elections.

In a rebellious tone, former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar, who was asked by the BJP high command to drop his candidature for the Assembly election from the Hubli-Dharwad Central segment, has said denying him a ticket will have a bearing on at least 20 to 25 seats in the state.

Former Chief Minister Shri HD Kumaraswamy, State President of the party Shri CM Ibrahim released JD(S) manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka polls on May 10 at the residence of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. 

ಇಂದು ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾಜಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಹೆಚ್ ಡಿ ದೇವೇಗೌಡ ಅವರ ನಿವಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಹೆಚ್ ಡಿ ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಅವರು, ಪಕ್ಷದ ರಾಜ್ಯಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಶ್ರೀ ಸಿಎಂ ಇಬ್ರಾಹಿಂ ಅವರು ಜೆಡಿಎಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಪಂಚರತ್ನ ಯೋಜನೆಯ ಪ್ರಣಾಳಿಕೆ - ಕರುನಾಡ ಜನತೆಗೆ ಜೆಡಿಎಸ್ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಭರವಸೆ ಪತ್ರವನ್ನು - ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಿದರು. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/6JrnRKa0QF

— Janata Dal Secular (@JanataDal_S)

Congress has released the third list of 43 candidates for Karnataka Assembly elections slated on May 10. Former Deputy CM Laxman Savadi, who left the BJP after the party denied him the ticket, has received the Congress ticket from the Athani constituency. Kolar seat has been given to Kothur G Manjunath.

Congress releases third list of 43 candidates for Karnataka Assembly elections.

Former Deputy CM Laxman Savadi gets the ticket from the Athani constituency. Kolar seat given to Kothur G Manjunath. pic.twitter.com/5W7k5SERzE

— ANI (@ANI)

Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday met BJP veteran and former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar amid speculations that he may be denied the BJP ticket for upcoming May 10 assembly polls. According to sources, Jagadish Shettar was annoyed with the party and therefore was taking a call whether he should contest as an independent with his supporters. 

Former CM and six-time MLA Jagadish Shettar on Wednesday, arrived in New Delhi to meet BJP national chief Jagat Prakash Nadda as his name went missing in the first list of candidates from the Hubli-Dharwad (Central) constituency in Karnataka. Shettar was told by Nadda that the issue will be discussed with other senior leaders.

"We will fight in at least 40 seats in the upcoming elections. 4-5 sitting MLAs of the BJP are in touch with us to join the party. The (former) mayor of Bengaluru may also join our party soon," said Karnataka NCP President Hari R.

(Image Credit: ANI)

Ahead of the Karnataka polls, the Congress party launched "boycott Jagadish Shettar campaign" in Hubballi. "Roads laid on the instructions of Jagadish Shettar are dotted with potholes responsible for the deaths of many innocent people. Pothole Leader Jagadish Shettar shouldn't be inducted into the Congress," said Karnataka's Congress unit. This development comes a day after Jagadish Shettar was denied a ticket from the saffron party and later called to Delhi by party leadership. He, however, hinted that he would stand in the elections from Hubballi any which way.

Shiggaon Congress workers staged protest outside DK Shivakumar's residence on Saturday, demanding election ticket for Vinay Kulkarni from the Shiggaon assembly constituency. The Congress workers have argued that CM Bommai can be defeated if Vinay Kulkarni is fielded against him.

Sharad Pawar's Nationlist Congress Party has decided to fight the upcoming Karnataka polls alone. State Unit Chief Hari R claimed on Saturday that several BJP leaders will soon join the NCP. This statement by the NCP state chief came as Karnataka CM Bommai filed the nomination from the Shiggaon Assembly constituency.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday, April 15, filed nomination from Shiggaon Assembly constituency for the upcoming elections.

(Image: ANI)

Karnataka, farmers to hold state-wide protest rallies at all district headquarters to protest against the sale of Amul brand milk products in the state.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai responding to BJP’s ex-Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi joining the Congress said, he felt sad about the development, however, also noted the grand old party doesn’t have enough candidates to field in about 60 seats and will not benefit from ‘some people’ it has recruited. He further stated real and honest party workers don't leave the party. Notably Laxman Savadi after resigning from the BJP joined the Congress on April 14, after his name was found missing from the first two lists released by the saffron party for the polls in Karnataka.

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