A cautious line on reinstating the old pension scheme (OPS), silence on the hijab ban imposed in pre-university colleges in the state, promise to increase reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs, Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities, restoration of 4% quota for Muslims, and imposition of a ban on the Bajrang Dal — the Congress manifesto for Karnataka is an interesting mix of both adhering to and nuancing of its past positions, as well as another push to its aggressive social justice outreach. (Read More)

Fierce campaigning is underway for Karnataka Assembly election which is set to take place on May 10. The results will be announced on May 13. With voting just a few days away, here’s a look at the richest and the poorest candidates as per the affidavits filed by them.

?? M T B Nagaraj (BJP): Considered as one of the richest legislators in the country, the three-time MLA has assests worth Rs 1,912 crore. The combined
value of assets declared by him and his wife M Shanthakumar stand at Rs 2,607.84 crore.

?? D K Shivakumar (Congress): A seven-time MLA, Shivakumar’s total assets are worth Rs 1,214 crore
today, an increase of 68 per cent from 2018. Click here to read more..

The Karnataka Congress in its manifesto released Tuesday said it would crack down on divisive forces.

“Has Yediyurappa come?” asks an elderly lady standing at the entrance to her house in Kolagi, a backward caste hamlet inhabited by the Golla community, as a BJP campaign cavalcade carrying B S Yediyurappa’s younger son B Y Vijayendra rolls through.

The Election Commission on Tuesday issued an advisory to political parties and their star campaigners, asking them to exercise caution and restraint in their utterances during campaigning in Karnataka and not to vitiate the election atmosphere.

Taking serious note of the "plummeting level of campaign discourse" during electioneering, the poll panel referred to the instances of "inappropriate vocabulary and language" used during the ongoing campaign by persons, "in particular, by those invested with the statutory status of star campaigner".

"Such instances have occasioned various complaints, cross complaints and have also attracted negative media attention," the EC said in a statement.

Stating that it was the BJP government led by Modi which banned Popular Front of India (PFI), Shah said, "if Congress party comes to power and if Siddaramaiah wins they will withdraw the ban on PFI." The Congress, while in power, had made Karnataka ATM of its central leadership, he said, alleging that during Siddaramaiah's five years tenure other than corruption, they did nothing for the state.

"Siddaramaiah ji- the corruption took place in your tenure. The Siddaramaiah government was the most corrupt government in entire India," he said.

Alleging that, according to Siddarmaiah, the Lingayat community brought corruption in Karnataka, Shah said, "Siddaramaiah, you should be ashamed of yourself." "Siddaramaiah by stating that Lingayats were involved in corruption, has insulted the Lingayat community. The Congress had earlier too insulted the Lingayat community by sacking (Lingayat leaders) S Nijalingappa and Veerendra Patil (from CM post)," he added. (PTI)

Targeting Congress leader Siddaramaiah in his home constituency, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asked the people to decide between a leader who is about to retire and a future leader, as he assured to make BJP candidate V Somanna, "a big personality" if they make him an MLA.

In a surprise move the BJP, taking the battle to the opposition camp, has fielded Somanna, a Minister from Bengaluru, against Siddaramaiah, who is contesting his "last election" from his native constituency.

"This Karnataka election is important, and this election in Varuna is even more important. We have fielded Somanna as our candidate from Varuna, you (people) make him MLA and send (to Assembly), I'm telling you that BJP will make him a big personality and bring him back," Shah said. (PTI)

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain on Tuesday hit out at the Congress party for comparing VHP with Popular Front of India (PFI) in its Karnataka Assembly election manifesto and said the move is 'highly objectionable.' "Comparing VHP with anti-national, terrorist and banned organization PFI is highly objectionable", Jain said.

Talking to ANI, Surendra Jain said, "The manner in which the Congress party, while releasing its manifesto for the Karnataka elections, compared Bajrang Dal, a fiercely patriotic organization, with PFI, a notorious anti-national, terrorist, banned organization, is highly objectionable. Every worker of VHP is dedicated to society and the whole world is familiar with the activities of PFI." "Wherever PFI people stood with 'Sar Tan Se Juda' Gang and the Congress governments supported them, Bajrang Dal workers used democratic methods to end the 'Sar Tan Se Juda' Gang terror", Jain told ANI. (PTI)

? Congress K'taka unit released poll manifesto called 'Sarva Janangada Shanthiya Thota' (Peaceful garden of all communities).

? The party reiterates 5 guarantees in its poll manifesto: Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Anna Bhagya, Yuva Nidhi & Shakti. 

? Gruha Jyothi promises 200 units free power; Gruha Lakshmi Rs 2,000 to each woman head of family & Anna Bhagya offers 10kg food grains.

? As per manifesto, Yuva Nidhi will give Rs 3,000 a month to unemployed graduates and Rs 1,500 to unemployed diploma holders.

? Shakti scheme will provide free travel to all women throughout state in regular KSRTC/BMTC buses.

? "I'm giving 6th guarantee the promises will be implemented in first cabinet meet on 1st day of govt formation," said Cong president Mallikarjun Kharge

? Will repeal all unjust laws & other anti-people laws passed by BJP govt within 1 year of coming to power, says the manifesto. (PTI)

Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar's helicopter was hit by an eagle near Hosakote, said officials on Tuesday.

According to the police, the Congress chief was on his way to Karnataka's Mulabagilu for an election rally. His camera person received minor injuries during the incident.

Shivakumar was to attend the party's election rally in Mulabagilu part of the Karnataka elections. The police said that the Congress chief escaped unhurt in the incident. (ANI)

#WATCH | Today it is my great fortune to bow down to this holy land of Hanuman ji and see the misfortune, today when I have come here, at the same time the Congress party has decided to lock Bajrangbali in its manifesto. Earlier Shri Ram was locked up and now they have taken the… pic.twitter.com/F2IqRrQ8xp

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hit out at the Congress for promising to ban Bajrang Dal in its election manifesto. He called it the party's attempt at trying to lock up those who worship Hanuman.

The Congress manifesto said: "We believe that law and constitution is sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities. We will take decisive action as per law including imposing a ban on such organisations."

"First they (Congress) locked up Lord Rama and now they have vowed to lock up those who chant 'Jai Bajrang Bali'." "It is the misfortune of the country that the Congress had a problem with Lord Rama and now it has difficulty with those who say 'Jai Bajrang Bali'," Modi said. (PTI)

#WATCH | Congress is sitting with a bundle of guarantees these days in Karnataka. The party that has lost the trust of common people and they can only lie in the name of guarantees. Congress guaranteed to remove poverty from the country but failed to do so. On the other hand,… pic.twitter.com/6Tvm6b3lOP

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2023

With the May 10 Assembly Elections in Karnataka right around the corner, senior political leaders from across parties are currently thronging the southern state, campaigning for their respective candidates.

Speaking at a rally in Hospet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at the Congress, saying the party had first locked Lord Ram, and now has vowed to lock those who chant Jai Bajrang Bali'. The remark comes just hours after the grand old party launched its poll manifesto in which it committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations such as Bajrang Dal and the Popular Front of India (PFI) that 'spread hatred' among communities on grounds of caste and religion. The action may include a 'ban' on such organisations, the manifesto said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says current govt is a stolen governent that the BJP stole (from JD(S)-Congress alliance) three years ago by destroying democracy

"The three main issues of the election, are corruption, inflation and unemployment," says Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking at a public rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says this election is not about Narendra Modi. "It is about your future, your children, about youths, women and senior citizens. This is Karnataka election."

???? ??, ???? ?? ??? ???? ???? ???, ?????? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ?? ??? ??? , ?? ???? ???? ?????

???? ?? ????????????? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ??, ???? ???? ??? ???? ???? ?????

?? ????? ??????? ???? ?? ?? ???? ??? ????... ???? ?? ??????, ?????? ?? ??????-????? ?? ?????? ?? ????… pic.twitter.com/gacv9TowIr

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 2, 2023

Modi further attacked Congress saying the party has lost its warranty, and trust. Hence, Congress's election guarantee without warranty is nothing but a lie, Modi added.

"We have to make Karnataka driving force of developed India; for that we have to bring 'double engine' govt," PM Modi says at election rally. Hailing BJP's manifesto, Modi says: "BJP's election manifesto has roadmap to make Karnataka number one state."

Speaking at Chitradurga rally on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Congress has a history of appeasing terror and terrorists. "When Batla House encounter took place in Delhi, the tallest Congress leader had tears hearing of the terrorists' death. When surgical strike took place, Congress raised questions on the ability of our armed forces. In Karnataka, Congress has promoted terror in the state. BJP has broken the back of terror and ended the game of appeasement... Congress and JD(S), which promotes terror, can never benefit the state," he said.

Speaking at Chitradurga rally on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: 'Karnataka's people should be beware of both Congress and JD(S). Both the parties indulge in dynastic politics, corruption and aim at dividing the society.'

BJP is Karnataka's preferred Party. Unparalleled support at the Chitradurga rally. @BJP4Karnataka https://t.co/d1uslJCs15

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2023

- Comprehensive legislation for management of BBMP by being all service provides such as BWSSB, transport, hosing and others under a single agency

- Creation of mega Bengaluru region with infrastructure and administrative connections with cities like Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Doddaballapur, Tumakuru, Ramanagara and Kanakapur

- Construction of elevated flyovers with necessary wings to ease the traffic

- Completion of all pending metro projects within a year of coming to power. 

- Establishment of Mega Bengaluru Planning Committee

Congress further promised

- to create Jeans Capital of India in Bellary.

- to expand the IT sector to contribute more than 25 per cent of state GSDP and 33 per cent of the total technology-related business of India.

- Rs 5,000 cr revolving fund to develop tourism in the state
- to provide loans at five per cent interest rate and taxi permit to 50 youth in each constituency

- Industry status to hotels with more than 20 employees

- 25 per cent subsidy of upto Rs three lakh for installing solar appliances

- scheme to harness the tidal energy potential in coastal Karnataka.

- more mega solar parks to produce additional 5,000 MW of power

- multi-storied parking places in major cities on PPP model

- increase strength of electric buses so that within two years, 50 per cent of the buses in state-run transport bodies are electric.

- increase fleet strength of BMTC to 10,000 buses in five years

- free bus pass to all students and senior citizens

- to increase forest cover of Karnataka to upto 30 percent of land area

- to bring out a state action plan on climate change to achieve net zero CO2 emissions and to create green climate fund.

- regulate fees in schools and reduce fees of BPL students

- to ensure that everyone gets medicine at reasonable rates, 10 Kasturba Aushada Kendras will be set up in each taluk

- Puneeth Rajkumar Heart Health Scheme to offer subsidy to doctors/clinics/nursing homes to buy defibrillator

- to ensure all homeless families in Karnataka have a house within next five years.

- to investigate frauds that happened in co-operative sector and to create a mechanism to punish the guilty within a fixed timeline

A day after BJP promised the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in its manifesto, the Congress party vowed to increase the ceiling of reservation from 50% to 75% in order to accommodate the hopes and aspirations of SC/ST/OBC/minority and other communities such as Lingayats and Vokkaligas.

The party said it is committed to increase reservation for SCs from 15 to 17 per cent and STs from three to seven percent, and restore minority reservation of 4%, and increase reservation Lingayats, Vokkaligas and other communities. Apart from these, the party promised

- to release the socio-economic caste census conducted by Congress government 

- to present report of Justice Sadashiva Commission in the first session of legislature

- to make caste slander a punishable offence

- allocation of funds for minority welfare - Muslims, Christian, Jain, Buddhists and others, top be increased to Rs 10,000 cr

- to constitute Dr Abul Kalam Azad Wakf Properties Development Corporation

- Congress announces schemes for Kashmiri Pandits in the state.

- Rs 15 cr to start Kashmiri Culture Centre

- for the third gender Mangalamukhi Welfare Board with Rs 200 cr annual allocaton

- census of the transgender population to optimize the reach of welfare schemes

- to establish a gig workers welfare board with allotment of Rs 3,000 cr as seed money for revolving fund

- to mandate minimum hourly wages for all gig and unorganised workers in domestic and personal care, logistics, food delivery, e-pharmacy, transport and other sectors

Congress manifesto promised...

- To create Prakruthi Vikopa Nidhi (Natural Disaster Fund) - a permanent fund - by creating an initial corpus fund of Rs 5,000 cr.

- To bring amendment to Forest Act to solve forest dwellers problems.

- To create a brand of coffee in Karnataka

- To purchase cowdung at Rs three per kg and establish compost/manure centres in villages by involving rural women and youth

- Interest-free loans to women to buy 2 cows or buffalos.

- To build country's largest boat building yard in Mangaluru

- To provide 500 litres of tax-free diesel every year for deep sea fishing

- Rs 1.5 lakh cr for irrigation in next five years, which included funding for disputed irrigation projects such as Mekedatu and Mahadayi.

- Rs 500 cr will be allocated to Mahadayi project in the first Cabinet meeting

- To establish a gold and diamond park in Mangaluru

- Start-up fund of Rs 10 cr to each constituency.

- Rs 1,000 cr for research and development in modern technology

- Special package for revival of establishments closed due to demonetisation and Covid pandemic.

- High speed wi-fi hotspot in every gram panchayat

- TenderSURE roads to be extended to cities with more than 10 lakh population

- Amendment to 1972 Karnataka Apartment Owners Act to ease transfer of property

- Farm loans of upto Rs 10 lakh to be sanctioned at zero interest

- Withdrawing the three farm laws enacted in the state under BJP rule

- Rs 200 cr for scientific measures to prevent man-animal conflict

- Amid Nandini row, Congress promises to increase milk production in the state to 1.5 lakh litres under Mission Ksheera Kranthi.

- All sanctioned vacant government posts to be filled within one year.

- Old Pension scheme to all government employees appointed post 2006

- Contract employees in serving in Health and Family Welfare Department for 15-20 years will be made permanent

- Police appointments to be made in such a way that one-third of the staff are women and minimum of one percent posts to be reserved for third gender

- Rs 200 cr fund for research to prevent cyber and economic offences

- Strong legal action against groups that sow discord in society, may it be groups such as Bajrang Dal from majority community or PFI from minority community.

The Congress party has promised to fill all sanctioned government posts that are vacant in its poll manifesto. It also stated that it government employees appointed post 2006 will get pensions under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will address three public rallies in Karnataka today.

Today, CP Shri @kharge is scheduled to attend a public meeting in Bhalki, Basavakalyan & Humnabad.

? Karnataka

Stay tuned to our social media handles for live updates.

TW: https://t.co/NGgQ2sGraH

FB: https://t.co/17P1scygNJ

YT: https://t.co/4uLWRC44PR

Insta:… pic.twitter.com/MfaBioYdBX

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 2, 2023

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold two public meetings and a roadshow in Karnataka today.

Get ready to witness Shri @RahulGandhi electrify the crowd as he attends two invigorating public meetings and a thrilling roadshow!

? Karnataka

Stay tuned to our social media handles for live updates.

TW: https://t.co/NGgQ2sGraH

FB: https://t.co/17P1scygNJ

YT:… pic.twitter.com/mDownuLrzq

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 2, 2023

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi will hold a public meeting and three roadshows in Karnataka today.

Get ready to be inspired by her passion & unwavering commitment to the people!

Congress Gen. Sec. Smt. @priyankagandhi ji is scheduled to attend a riveting public meeting and not one, not two, but three electrifying roadshows!

? Karnataka

Stay tuned to our social media… pic.twitter.com/86uz1Cdipv

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 2, 2023

The Congress party is scheduled to release its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections in Karnataka shortly. AICC president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjuna Kharge, AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, KPCC president D K Shivakumar, Assembly opposition leader Siddaramaiah, Legislative Council opposition leader B K Hariprasad and manifesto committee chairman G. Parameshwar are likely to take part in the programme to be held at Shangharila Hotel, Vasantnagar, Bangalore.

Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar was the youngest Cabinet minister in the B S Yediyurappa government. Sudhakar, who is from the Vokkaliga community, switched from the Congress to the BJP in 2019 and earned plaudits for his work when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak.

The number of Assembly constituencies in Karnataka where women voters outnumber men has jumped to 112 – or 50% of the total 224 seats – from 67 (30%) in 2018, according to the latest electoral rolls data.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday clarified that his son Priyank Kharge never made the 'nalayak beta' remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi adding that people were forcibly putting words to his mouth.

'...When PM Modi had come to Kalaburgi, he said, Aap sab dariye mat, Banjara community ka ek beta Delhi mein baitha hai (do not be scared, a son from the Banjara community is sitting in Delhi). Aisa nalayak beta baithega toh ghar kaise chalega (if the son is useless, how will the house be run)?' Priyank Kharge said.

While talking to the reporters, Kharge said, 'He (Priyank Kharge) never said, don't put these things in his mouth. He attacked the parliament member who abused him. So don't put in his mouth these words for Modi. Everywhere this is going purposely.' Amid the high-decibel campaign for the ensuing Karnataka Assembly elections, Mallikarjun Kharge's 'poisonous snake' remark drew a sharp reaction from the BJP, which slammed the 'slanderous' statement saying it reflected the 'mentality' of the principal Opposition party in the state. (ANI)

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda on Monday said the entire coastal region in Karnataka is a fortress of the secular forces including the Janata Dal(S).

Addressing reporters in Mangaluru, Gowda, who is here to campaign for party candidate Mohiuddin Bava in Mangaluru North constituency, said the JD(S) always had close relations with the people of Dakshina Kannada.

"We had five zilla panchayat members and three MLAs who got elected from here in the past," he said.

Urging the voters to support Bava, who switched to the JD(S) after the Congress denied him a ticket, Gowda said Bava had dedicated five years of his life to public service in the constituency.

He claimed that surveys among the voters favoured Bava and his party chose him as candidate after observing his work on the ground for Mangaluru North constituency. (PTI)

In the Basavanagudi constituency in Bengaluru South – which houses some of the city’s cultural landmarks such as the Gandhi Bazar shopping complex, Indian Institute of World Culture, Vidyarthi Bhavan, National College, and the Dodda Ganesha Temple – caste has played a key role across elections.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka Jairam Ramesh on Monday alleged that the AAP, AIMIM and SDPI were B-teams of the BJP, and that the Janata Dal (Secular) too had entered into a tacit understanding with the BJP.

Calling the BJP's promise of three free LPG cylinders for every family an eyewash, Ramesh, speaking to reporters, pointed out that the ruling party had made a similar promise in Uttar Pradesh "which was never fulfilled". However, he described as "baseless" the BJP's charge that the Congress had not fulfilled its promises in the states where it had come to power.

The BJP government in Karnataka has not fulfilled 90 per cent of its promises given in its manifesto. “The Congress will keep its word. The Siddaramaiah government had fulfilled 95 per cent of promises made in 2013,” he claimed. (PTI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda on Monday held a roadshow in Karnataka's Bengaluru as part of the BJP's mass outreach campaign ahead of the state Assembly polls on May 10.

Earlier in the day, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto for Karnataka Assembly polls at an event in Bengaluru, making a host of promises including the provision of 3 free cooking gas cylinders to all BPL (Below Poverty Level) families annually.

The manifesto or the vision document was released by JP Nadda in the presence of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and his predecessor and Lingayat stalwart BS Yediyurappa. (PTI)

During the roadshow in Raja Rajeshwari Nagara, Bengaluru, Karnataka. https://t.co/I1H8VoGIJ6

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) May 1, 2023

As the high-pitched campaign for the Assembly elections in Karnataka reaches the final stages, one thing is becoming very clear – the Congress has not invested this heavily in a state election in recent years, at least not since 2019. The grand old party is smelling victory and it believes a BJP defeat could herald its electoral comeback.

BJP president J P Nadda on Monday said his party was working within the ambit of the Constitution in trying to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country, and said they followed the policy of ‘Justice for All and Appeasement for None'.

Asked during a media interaction if the BJP 's plans would communalise the state, Nadda said, “We are working within the ambit of the Constitution. Within the Constitution, we are permitted and directed to implement the Uniform Civil Code. We will move towards the UCC.” He said, “Regarding communalism, the clear meaning is that what we know and what we believe in is 'Justice for All and Appeasement for None' and 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' (everyone's cooperation, everyone's development, everyone's trust and everyone's efforts).

"We will implement the UCC in Karnataka based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee which is to be constituted for the purpose (according to the manifesto). We will introduce the National Register of Citizens in Karnataka and ensure speedy deportation of all illegal immigrants in the state," he said. (PTI)

Ramesh said this time the Congress campaign has been very strategic on 'vocal for local'.

'People are seeing this. It is a positive and constructive campaign by the Congress. I can tell you having spent 22 days in October in seven districts in Karnataka during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, it was very evident from October that the time for a change was there and Rahul Gandhi was able to capitalise on that mood or that sentiment,' he said. (PTI)

Slamming the BJP's campaign, Ramesh said, "The divisiveness, the polarization, the threats, the intimidation, this is backfiring on the BJP." "To preserve the social fabric of Karnataka, to ensure that economic growth takes place in Karnataka in an environment of social peace, people have recognised that the Congress is the only alternative," he said.

Asked about the prime minister's campaign blitz in Karnataka, Ramesh said the BJP can do whatever "carpet bombing" they want but there are enough local issues the Congress has raised and given guarantees to different sections of society which will ensure its success. (PTI)

A win in the Karnataka polls will be a "super booster dose" for the Congress electorally after the Bharat Jodo Yatra revitalised the party ideologically and organisationally, senior leader Jairam Ramesh has said.

"A win (in Karnataka polls) will be a super booster dose for the Congress. It will strengthen the Congress as we go to the polls in Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram," Ramesh, who is on the campaign trail in Karnataka, told PTI in an interview.

"I don't want to look to 2024 but I would look at 2023 and for that it (win in Karnataka) would be a super booster dose for the Congress," the former Union minister said. (PTI)

The Andhra Pradesh government has set up 45 integrated checkposts in its districts bordering Karnataka to rein in the flow of illegal liquor, cash and other inducements to the poll-bound state, Chief Secretary K S Jawahar Reddy said on Monday. The checkposts would be manned by officials from police, excise, commercial taxes, revenue and other departments, he said.

"Already, 3,008 litres of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL), 444 tetra packs of 90 ml liquor cartons and two and half kg of marijuana have been confiscated," the Chief Secretary said in a video conference organised by the Election Commission of India (ECI). (PTI)

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Monday, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party "will not make" a Chief Minister from the Lingayat community "at any cost". He made these remarks while campaigning for party candidate Hanumanta Mavinamara in Badami.

Addressing the people, Kumaraswamy said, "I have said this before. BJP will mot make a Lingayat CM at any cost. In fact, quite work is going on behind the scenes to make a Brahmin as the Chief Minister".

The JD(S) leader further said that instead of real problems of the people, issues like "snake" and "Vishkanya" are being discussed.

"Instead of discussing the various problems in the state, they (BJP) are discussing "snakes" and "Vishkanya". There is no need for such politics. Would people's lives improve with these things? The Prime Minister criticised everything like family, and ATM, and talked about the double-engine. But, I would like to ask why the corruption in the state was not stopped. The double-engine government has looted the state," Kumaraswamy said. (PTI)

? Implementing the UCC in Karnataka based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee which is to be constituted for the purpose

? Introduction of the National Register of Citizens in Karnataka and ensure speedy deportation of all illegal immigrants in the state

? The party also promised to create a special wing in the state called ‘Karnataka State Wing against Religious Fundamentalism and Terror (K-SWIFT).

? The BJP said it would provide three free cooking gas cylinders to all BPL families -- one each during the months of 'Yugadi', 'Ganesh Chaturthi' and 'Deepavali'.

? The party promises to set up an 'Atal Aahara Kendra' in every ward of every municipal corporation in the State to provide affordable, quality and healthy food across the State

? It also promised to launch the 'Poshane' scheme through which every BPL household will be provided with half litre 'Nandini' milk every day and five kg 'Shri Anna - siri dhanya' through monthly ration kits.

? The party also promised ‘Sarvarigu Suru Yojane,' under which the Revenue Department will identify and distribute 10 lakh housing sites across the state to the homeless beneficiaries.

? The BJP said it will launch a scheme called ‘Onake Obavva Samajika Nyaya Nidhi' through which it will provide a matching deposit up to Rs 10,000 on five-year fixed deposits made under the scheme for women of SC/ST households.

? Under the proposed Visvesvaraya Vidya Yojane, the party promised to partner with eminent individuals and institutions for holistic upgradation of government schools to ‘top class standard'.

? In the Aarogya category, the BJP has promised to launch ‘Mission Swasthya Karnataka' by establishing one ‘Namma Clinic' (our clinic) in each ward of the municipal corporations. They will be equipped with diagnostic facilities. Also, it will provide a free annual master health check-up for senior citizens.

? The party said if it is voted to power, it will allocate Rs 1,500 crore to develop Kalyana Circuit, Banavasi Circuit, Parashurama Circuit, Kaveri Circuit and Ganagapura Corridor to transform Karnataka into India's most favoured tourist destination.

? Further, the party will broaden the scope of Production Linked Incentive Schemes that will generate 10 lakh jobs eventually in Karnataka. (PTI)

Addressing a public meeting in Tumkuru, Karnataka, on Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stopped his speech after hearing the sound of Azaan (Muslim call to prayer).

Lashing out at the BJP government in the southern state, the former Wayanad MP said, "For the last three years, BJP has only done corruption here. The people of Karnataka call this regime a "40 per cent government", as they take a 40 per cent cut or commission from contractors. The PM was also aware of this. So I would like to ask him why he didn't take any action on it." Rahul was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha after being convicted and sentenced in connection with a criminal defamation case. (ANI)

he Congress on Monday called the BJP's manifesto for the Karnataka polls a "JhootLoot BJP Moneyfesto" and asserted that people will vote out the party.

In a tweet, Congress' general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "Modi govt has tripled the price of LPG cylinder in the last 9 years. Last election in UP, BJP promised 2 free cylinders in a year. Today in Karnataka, JhootLoot BJP Moneyfesto has promised 3 free cylinders in a year.People are fed up of price rise, BJP's lies and their bogus jumlas!" On May 10, it is the Congress' guarantee that people of Karnataka will vote out the BJP, he said on Twitter. (PTI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday held a massive roadshow here, waving at a large enthusiastic crowd along the route, as he sought people's support, ahead of the May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka. Shah, standing on a specially designed vehicle was accompanied by Tumakur Member of Parliament G S Basavaraj and other leaders. 

At the end of the road shadow in Tumakuru district, the Home Minister urged people to vote for the BJP candidate, and to ensure that a "double engine government" under the leadership of Modi comes to power.

Former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai have done a lot of work for Karnataka, he said, adding that the BJP government has ended four per cent Muslim reservation and has increased the quota of Vokkaligas, Lingayats, and SC/STs. (PTI)

The people of the Gubbi Assembly say that peace and security are the necessary pre-conditions to ensure development and Kannadiga pride. Only the BJP can deliver on these vital needs.#PoornaBahumata4BJP pic.twitter.com/vwRLuOgwDu

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 1, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the BJP's manifesto for the Karnataka assembly polls as "development-centric" and said it sets the tone for building on the good work done by the party's government in the last four years in the state. BJP president J P Nadda released the manifesto, 'BJP Praja Pranalike', in Bengaluru, assuring people of building a developed and prosperous Karnataka if the party is elected to power.

The party has promised the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, the National Register of Citizens, and three free cooking gas cylinders and half litre Nandini milk every day to all BPL families. It has also announced a slew of measures for developing the state. (PTI)

Days after Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge's "venomous snake" barb at Prime Minister, his son and former minister Priyank Kharge, has called Narendra Modi ‘nalayak'.

Priyank, who is seeking reelection from Chittapur in Kalaburagi district in the May 10 Assembly polls, said the Prime Minister, while claiming to be a son of the Banjara community, was "inept" because he and his party had created confusion about reservations for the SC community.

“When you (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) came to Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) what did you tell the people of Banjara community? “Aap sab log dariye mat. Banjara ka ek beta Dilli mein Baitha hai (You do not be afraid. A son of Banjara is sitting in Delhi.)," said Priyank quoting from Modi's speech.

"Aisa nalayak beta baitha to kaise hota bhai? Ghar kaise chalega?” (If an inept son is sitting in Delhi, how can you run the family?), he asked, addressing the people. (PTI)

“90% of promises made by the 40% BJP Commission Government in their 2018 manifesto were never fulfilled. Today, another set of BOGUS MANIFESTO promises have been made by the corrupt and incompetent BJP & Bommai Govt,” Surjewala tweeted.

• A govt which tripled the prices of LPG cylinders (from ?400 to ?1,100), is offering 3 cylinders free to BPL families, a promise which BJP has already made and never fulfilled in U.P and other states.
• A govt which tried to merge the pride of Karnataka, Nandini, with amul, is now trying to save face by offering half litre milk free.
• A govt which shut down Indira canteens wants to open the same by renaming them!
• A govt which ruined Bengaluru's brand image, is now proposing fancy names such as 'State capital region' as a solution.

“Uniform civil code is just another attempt at distraction away from the tag of #CryPMPayCM govt! Contrast this with the Congress Government which ruled Karnataka between 2013-18 which fulfilled 95% of the promises made to the people,” he said.

“Congress always delivers as it promises and this time too we will 100% deliver on our 5 Guarantees. With BJP, the only assurance is 40% commission” he said.

A day after Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first PM to “cry” in front of people, the Congress on Monday trended the “CryPMPayCm” hashtag on social media.

Speaking at a rally in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Vadra said: “I am seeing such a PM for the first time who comes in front of you and cries that he was being abused. Rather than hearing your grievances, he narrates his woes. Someone in PM Modi’s office has compiled a list, which is not about the problems faced by the people. That list is about the number of times someone has abused Modi. At least the list fits just a page. If you look at the abuse hurled by them (BJP leaders) at my family, and if we start making lists, we will have to print book after book after book.”

Taking a cue from Priyanka, Congress leaders started hitting out at the PM. The leaders also carried forward an earlier campaign about alleged corruption in the incumbent Karnataka government. In September 2022, posters had sprung up across Bengaluru with QR codes and “PayCM” captions after allegations surfaced of the Basavaraj Bommai-led government pocketing 40 % commission from government contracts.

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Senior Andhra Pradesh government officials on Monday attended an Election Commission of India (ECI) meeting online aimed at reining in the flow of inducements to Karnataka border districts in the run up to the neighbouring state's Assembly elections scheduled on May 10.

The meeting focused on restricting the movement of liquor, cash and other inducements to influence voters during Karnataka's single-phase elections “On Monday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar along with other Election Commissioners held a video conference with the chief secretaries, DGPs, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and other senior officials,” a statement from the state government on Monday said. (PTI)

At a public meeting in Turuvekere, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked PM Narendra Modi what he had done in the last three years to 'remove corruption and 40% commission in Karnataka'.

Gandhi added, "This election is not about one person, not about Narendra Modi; PM has to understand this."

"You come to campaign for election in Karnataka, but don't talk about Karnataka; you talk about yourself," he said, targeting Modi.

"You don't even take names of CM Bommai and B S Yediyurappa in your speeches; your speeches are about yourself," Gandhi said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a roadshow in Karnataka's Tumkuru on Monday.

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds a roadshow in Tumkuru District, Karnataka.#KarnatakaElection2023 pic.twitter.com/MJrG3Fhd9P

— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2023