Belagavi/Hubbali: As the May 10 Assembly elections draw near, political parties in Karnataka are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to woo voters. In a flurry of campaign activities, top leaders from major parties have been conducting roadshows and rallies across the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah made his presence felt in Belagavi’s Chikkodi area, where he held a highly energetic roadshow. Seated in a specially designed vehicle, Shah greeted the enthusiastic crowd that had gathered along the route. During the event, he criticised the Congress party’s stance on Muslim reservation, urging voters to support a BJP government for continued development and prioritisation of communities such as Lingayats, SC, and ST.
Meanwhile, former Congress party president Sonia Gandhi arrived in Hubbali to campaign for the party. Karnataka holds a special place for the Nehru-Gandhi family, as evident from Indira Gandhi’s successful political comeback from Chikmagalur and Sonia Gandhi’s electoral debut from Ballari. The Congress sees Karnataka as a crucial battleground that can signal its revival and provide a platform for opposition unity against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 general elections.
Star campaigner
The prime minister himself joined the campaign in Badami, where he took the opportunity to criticise the Congress party’s alleged corruption. PM Modi emphasised how his government’s efforts had curbed corruption, leading the Congress to resort to personal attacks against him. He also highlighted the achievements of his government, such as providing tap water, housing, health care, and financial assistance to the people of Karnataka.
The final leg of campaigning has seen other prominent leaders making their presence felt as well. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a roadshow in Udupi district, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a roadshow in Shanivarasanthe Madikeri, Kodagu district.
For the Congress party, a victory in Karnataka is seen as a potential game-changer that could boost its prospects in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
