PM sounds poll bugle in Karnataka

Karnataka is going to elections in a few months. BJP has already set its eyes on unseating the Congress govt. of Karnataka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP's Parivartan Yatra Rally in Bengaluru yesterday and called upon the people to make the state free of Congress by defeating it in the coming assembly elections. He said that the Congress party is at the exit gate. He also said that BJP represented development while Congress means corruption, casteism, appeasement and dynastic politics. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the Congress party in the state exudes the full confidence of retaining the power in the state. Congress had come to power in the state by defeating the BJP five years back. As far as the issue of corruption is concerned neither the Congress nor the BJP is clear of it. BJP charges Siddaramaiah govt. with corruption while it has itself projected its leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa as CM face in the coming assembly elections. It was the corruption charge against Yeddyurappa that he had to be removed by the BJP as CM at that time. Now, it appears that all charges of corruption have been washed away as he has been named as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate in the assembly elections. Karnataka assembly elections are a matter of prestige for both the Congress and the BJP. It is more important for Congress party to retain power in the state as it is the only big one where the party rules in the country at this point in time. Currently, Congress party is ruling only in four states and among them, Karnataka is only the big state. It is equally important for the BJP to win and get back power in Karnataka after five years on one hand and move ahead in its mission of making the country free of Congress i.e. Congress Mukt Bharat. Though this may prove to be an unfulfilled dream for the party if its performance as the ruling party at the Centre is anything to go by, it is certainly in upbeat mood to dethrone Congress by defeating it in assembly elections. Both Congress and BJP are in a poll mode in Karnataka. PM Modi has already addressed the Parivartan Rally. Congress President Rahul Gandhi is also going to address election meetings in the state very soon. Anti-incumbency factor may go against the Congress. BJP president Amit Shah has been camping in the state off and on for the last year itself. He is considered to be the master strategist. So, Congress is also not going to leave any possibility of winning the elections untouched. Congress Siddaraimaiah is a grass root leader. He has connectivity with the people n the state. There is no charge of corruption against him. He is the strongest leader of Congress party in Karnataka. His strong confidence is a surprise for BJP poll strategists. As far as Yeddyurappa is concerned, he is a veteran BJP leader. He is also directly connected with the people. But he needs to wash taint of corruption against him. Karnataka assembly elections are going to be fought keenly. And both Congress and BJP will certainly empty its political armoury to win elections.