Battle lines drawn for first phase of polls in Karnataka
Battle lines have been drawn among key contenders, the Congress, BJP and JDS, in Karnataka as the state goes to the first phase of polls on May 10 in 89 assembly segments out of the 224 constituencies.
By PTI |
BANGALORE: Battle lines have been drawn among key contenders, the Congress, BJP and JDS, in Karnataka as the state goes to the first phase of polls on May 10 in 89 assembly segments out of the 224 constituencies.
Congress and BJP, who seem to be the front runners in the three phased polls, have to contend with the JDS. Meanwhile JDS supremo, former prime minister H D Devegowda has been burning the night oil to repeat his party's 2004 performance to force another fractured verdict.
Another party that can play spoilsport is BSP as its leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is striving to ensure that her party makes an impact in the south by announcing candidates for all the 224 constituencies in Karnataka.
While the JDS has witnessed a spate of desertions, the Congress and BJP are facing rebellion from some leaders reportedly upset over denial of ticket to contest the polls.
On the poll preparation front, it is BJP that leads its rivals as it has already announced candidates for the 224 seats and released its manifesto promising a slew of freebies including free power supply to farmers, irrigation pump sets and distribution of rice at Rs two per kg to poor.
The Congress has also released highlights of its manifesto promising free colour TVs and rice at Rs two per kg to pre-empt BJP. CPI-M, AIADMK, SP and Unified Farmers Outfit-Sarvodaya party have also thrown their hat into the ring but they are not likely to make much of an impact.
Gowda's recent statement that "no political party in the state can form a government without the support of JDS," has come in for criticism from his former coalition partners Congress and BJP who are focusing on stability as poll plank and orchestrating for single party rule.
Congress and BJP, who seem to be the front runners in the three phased polls, have to contend with the JDS. Meanwhile JDS supremo, former prime minister H D Devegowda has been burning the night oil to repeat his party's 2004 performance to force another fractured verdict.
Another party that can play spoilsport is BSP as its leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is striving to ensure that her party makes an impact in the south by announcing candidates for all the 224 constituencies in Karnataka.
While the JDS has witnessed a spate of desertions, the Congress and BJP are facing rebellion from some leaders reportedly upset over denial of ticket to contest the polls.
On the poll preparation front, it is BJP that leads its rivals as it has already announced candidates for the 224 seats and released its manifesto promising a slew of freebies including free power supply to farmers, irrigation pump sets and distribution of rice at Rs two per kg to poor.
The Congress has also released highlights of its manifesto promising free colour TVs and rice at Rs two per kg to pre-empt BJP. CPI-M, AIADMK, SP and Unified Farmers Outfit-Sarvodaya party have also thrown their hat into the ring but they are not likely to make much of an impact.
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Gowda's recent statement that "no political party in the state can form a government without the support of JDS," has come in for criticism from his former coalition partners Congress and BJP who are focusing on stability as poll plank and orchestrating for single party rule.
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