All articles tagged with #karnataka elections
The high voltage campaigning for the May 10 assembly elections in Karnataka came to an end on Monday with all three major political parties — BJP, Congress and JD(S) — making a last-ditch effort to woo the voters. From jam-packed roadshows to massive rallies, from bitter political remarks to celebrity appearances, the weeks-long campaigning took the southern state by storm as parties left no stone unturned to outdo each other.
The BJP has written to the Election Commission of India demanding "immediate and firm" action against Congress and its former president Sonia Gandhi for her "sovereignty" remark at a poll rally. The BJP accused the Congress of advocating for "separating" Karnataka from India and demanded that the Election Commission revoke the registration of the party. The BJP also accused the Congress of supporting secessionist bodies or movements like the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) or "tukde tukde gang".
The Congress party's manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections promises 200 units of free electricity for every home, a stipend of 3,000 rupees for unemployed graduates, and a ban on Bajrang Dal. However, the promise to extend the Old Pension Scheme may lead the state to bankruptcy, and the party's promises for minority appeasement have been criticized as "appeasement politics." Hindu organizations have slammed the party for comparing Bajrang Dal to the banned Islamist group PFI. The manifesto also includes promises that are already being provided by the incumbent government or are superfluous measures aimed at wooing voters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day campaign tour of Karnataka with a massive roadshow in Mysuru. The BJP held the show for over an hour amidst a multitude of people to maximize the party's fortunes in the politically significant Mysuru district. Though PM Modi did not address the people, BJP tried to convey the message loud and clear. The roadshow highlighted Mysuru's legacy, culture, and uniqueness and spread the word about Brand Mysuru at the global level.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, All India Congress Committee general secretary, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "crying" over his insults in public instead of addressing people's problems. She accused the BJP of neglecting the grievances of the public and focusing on political bickering. Priyanka also accused the BJP of corruption and looting nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore of Karnataka. She urged voters to cast their votes based on daily challenges like inflation, corruption, and joblessness.