Karnataka Assembly Polls 2023 LIVE Updates: The last leg of campaigning for Karnataka Assembly Polls will see bigwigs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (Congress) hoping to turn the tide in their favour. While the Congress is banking on an anti-incumbency wave that has worked since 1985, the ruling BJP hopes PM Narendra Modi's popularity will see them through. A total of 113 seats are needed for a simple majority — a feat BJP has never achieved. The prime minister will be reportedly involved in about 15 public meetings and roadshows over six days, giving the BJP campaign a significant push. In all, there are 2,613 candidates in the fray for the May 10 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections after the last date for withdrawal of nominations on May 1. According to the final list of candidates shared by the Election Commission (EC), 185 women candidates and one from the ‘Others’ category are contesting. While 224 candidates are from the ruling BJP, the Opposition Congress has fielded 223, and the Janata Dal (Secular) has fielded 207 candidates.
The live blog session has concluded. For more news, views and updates, stay tuned with Moneycontrol.com.
No proposal before Congress to ban Bajrang Dal: Veerappa Moily
mid strong protest from the Sangh Parivar against the Congress manifesto mentioning a ban on Bajrang Dal, senior Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Veerappa Moily on Wednesday said there was no suggestion before the party to ban Bajrang Dal if elected to power. Addressing reporters in Udupi, he sai
Alert: BJP leader B P Yatnal issued notice by EC for "vishkanya" remark against Sonia Gandhi.
NEWS ALERT
EC issues notice to Cong leader Priyank Kharge over 'nalayak' remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Congress slams BJP's 'double-engine' pitch, says May 10 poll to propel 'derailed' Karnataka engine
The Congress Wednesday slammed the BJP over its ”double-engine” pitch in the Karnataka polls, saying the May 10 election is to propel the Karnataka engine which got ”derailed” by the BJP in the last four years. The Opposition party also alleged that the people of Karnataka are ”fed up with the BJP ’jhoot’ (lies) engine in Delhi and loot engine in Bengaluru”.
PM slams 'shortcut governance' of Congress and JD(S) in poll-bound Karnataka
Accusing the Congress and JD(S) of "shortcut" governance, Prime MinisterNarendraModi on Wednesday said that the 21st century youth of the country did not want to leave their future in the hands of such people, and get "cut short".BJPwas trying to get rid of "shortcut" governance, with "SabkaSaath,SabkaVikas", he said. "People ofKarnatakashould be cautious about the shortcut governance of Congress and JD(S).Shortcut governance has led to the birth of vote bank politics in the country. When someone indulges in shortcut politics, he or she thinks about dividing the society likeCongress does," Modi claimed.
PM Modi chants "Jai Bajrang Bali" in all campaign meetings in Karnataka in a counter to Congress
Prime MinisterNarendraModi chanted "JaiBajrangBali"during all the three public meetings he addressed in poll-boundKarnatakaon Wednesday, in what is seen as a counter to the Congress, which has promised to ban right-wing outfitBajrangDal in its election manifesto. Along with "Bharat Mata Ki Jai"in praise of 'Mother India', Modi also made a point at the beginning as well as at the end of his speech to raise "JaiBajrangBali"inMulkiinDakshinaKannada district,AnkolainUttaraKannada distinct andBailhongalinBelagavidistrict.
Punish 'abuse culture' of Congress by chanting 'Jai Bajrangbali' while casting vote, PM urges electorate in Karnataka
He said Congress and its leaders hate and abuse him because he has crashed their ”corrupt system”. ”In this election, Congress is seeking votes in the name of its leader who is retiring…the other way in which they are seeking votes is by abusing Modi, whoever feels like is abusing,” Modi said.
PM Modi's election rally in Bailhongal
- "Congress has made "appeasement" its base" he says. People of Karnataka should be careful about "short-cut" governance of Congress and JD(S).Congress cannot make their future, how will they make your future: PM in Bailhongal
NEWS ALERT
Just a week left for Karnataka Assembly polls, people have decided to give a thumping victory to BJP: PM Modi at public rally in Bailhongal.
BJP has entered the poll fray with a resolve to make Karnataka number one, says PM Modi
Citing the BJP's development, he said that under the Congress JD (S) administration, 30,000 crores of foreign investment (FDI) came in annually, but the investment surged to 90,000 crores in three years following the creation of the double-engine government.He also met Tulsi Gowda and Sukri Bommagowda, the Padma Award recipients from Karnataka.
PM Modi to take out 36-kilometre roadshow in Bengaluru on Saturday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi would hold a 36.6 kilometre roadshow here on May 6, Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha member P C Mohan said on Wednesday. The roadshow, as part of the BJP's campaigning for the May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka, would pass through the city's 17 Assembly constituencies, Mohan said. The Prime Minister would cover a distance of 10.1 kilometres from 11 am to 1 pm, and 26.5 km from 4 pm to 10 pm, Mohan said.
Why couldn't 'omnipresent' Modi see loot by BJP govt in Karnataka: Priyanka Gandhi
In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress General secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday wondered why the "omnipresent and omniscient" leader could not see the "loot" happening in Karnataka by the '40 per cent commission government' of the BJP. Addressing a public rally here in Vijayapura district ahead of Assembly election on May 10, she sought to know why the 'vikas purush' (development man) Narendra Modi still says that he has a dream of developing Karnataka and presents it to the nation as the "development model".
Karnataka Elections LIVE: PM Modi's remark 'Congress divides society' sounds 'unreal': Kapil Sibal
RajyaSabhaMPKapilSibalon Wednesday said Prime MinisterNarendraModi's remark that the Congress follows divisive politics sounds "unreal", as he cited the censor board's clearance to 'The Kerala Story' despite the film allegedly "demonisingan entire community."
Will Karnataka forgive those indulging in abuse?, asks PM Modi at election rally in Ankola.
BJP has entered the poll fray with a resolve to make Karnataka number one, says PM Modi.
Karnataka Assembly Polls: Congress manifesto for Karnataka polls triggers war of words in Madhya Pradesh
In a letter to Nath on Wednesday, Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, "The Congress may go to any extent for the politics of appeasement." In his counter, Nath said that even the Supreme Court is saying that action should be taken against those spreading hatred. Read more
Karnataka Elections LIVE: PM Narendra Modi at Ankola in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka
-- Opposition only knows 'Gaali politics'. They cannot defeat us so they abuse us. The people of Karnataka reject abuse politics and all the voters will teach them a lesson to Congress for abusing me
-- During the Congress JD (S) government, 30,000 crores of foreign investment (FDI) used to come annually. Investment increased to 90,000 thousand crores annually in 3 years after the formation of the double engine government
Karnataka Assembly Polls: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Indi, Vijayapura
"In the last three and a half years, they (BJP) have looted Rs 1.5 lakh crore from Karnataka. With that money, they could have built 100 AIIMS hospitals, 30,000 smart classrooms and houses for 30 lakh poor people. Today they cannot talk about your issues in front of you, so every day they raise some new issue which has nothing to do with your development."
Karnataka Elections: Bengaluru’s seat share in the assembly signifies political heft but voters are squandering it
Bengaluru accounts for one-eighth of the seats in the Karnataka assembly. Usually such heft translates into political attention to a region’s needs. But the apathy of Bengaluru’s voters has fuelled complacency among netas. High voter turnout could force netas to fix the city’s problems... Read More
Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE: People of Karnataka will give befitting reply to Congress, claims BJP
The BJP asserted on Wednesday that people of Karnataka will give a befitting reply to the Congress on its promise of action against Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of RSS-affiliated Vishwa Hindu Parishad, while noting that an earlier ban on the organisation was rejected by authorities due to absence of any evidence. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi told reporters that the Congress' stand was driven by politics of appeasement and targeted the party for making the announcement on Tuesday, a day associated with Lord Hanuman.
Attacking the opposition party, Trivedi asked if any state government can ban an organisation and recalled that the Congress dispensation at the Centre had banned it along with the RSS in 1992 following the Babri mosque demotion but it was lifted within months as the government could not produce any evidence against it before the tribunal adjudicating on the matter. Read more here
Karnataka Polls LIVE: Congress is enemy of peace & development, says PM Modi in direct attack
In a frontal attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 3 said the entire politics of the party is based on "divide and rule" policy, and charged it with going across the world defaming the country, when India's democracy and development is being appreciated and respected globally.
"Congress is an enemy of peace and development. When Congress is there, investors will flee. Congress protects 'aakas' (boss) of terror, they encourage appeasement," Modi said.
This was the Prime Minister's first poll rally today ahead of the high-stakes Assembly elections in Karnataka with Modi scheduled to address two more meetings later in the day.
Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE: Congress slams BJP's 'double engine' pitch
The Congress on May 3 slammed the BJP over its "double engine" pitch in the Karnataka polls, saying the May 10 election is to propel the Karnataka engine which got "derailed" by the BJP in the last four years. "Double engine" is a term often used by BJP leaders to refer to the party ruling at the Centre and in a state.
Slamming the BJP's pitch, Congress' general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter, "What Double Engine?! 94% of the revenue of Karnataka state government comes from the state's own revenue plus its own share of taxes from the Centre, determined not by 'Modi Aashirwaad' but by the Finance Commission formula."
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Can the Modi magic turn the tide in BJP’s favour?
North Karnataka is considered a fortress of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but the ruling party isn’t leaving anything to chance in seeking to avert a potential anti-incumbency vote in the region. The BJP’s trump card in the campaign ahead of the May 10 assembly elections is, of course, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The question is whether Modi’s charisma will tilt the vote in favor of the BJP or an anti-incumbency wave go in favour of the Congress, writes David Bodapati. Read here
Karnataka Elections: Wounded tiger Jagadish Shettar still has photos of PM Modi & Amit Shah in office, says won't remove them
The photos adorn the wall although he is hurt the BJP chose not to pick him for the May 10 assembly elections.... Read More
Karnataka Assembly Polls LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at election rally in Mulki
-- Congress is an enemy of peace and development; appeasement policy is the party's identity
-- Congress's entire politics is based on 'divide and rule' policy
-- Whole nation respects country's defence forces, but Congress insults and abuses our military and soldiers
-- India has become fifth largest economy in the world under BJP govt, leaving behind England that had colonised us
Karnataka Assembly Polls LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at election rally in Mulki (Karnataka)
-- Congress wants to make Karnataka No.1 ATM for its 'Shahi Parivar' (royal family) sitting in Delhi.
-- If there is instability in Karnataka, your (people's) future will also be unstable
Karnataka Elections LIVE: PM Narendra Modi in Mudbidri, Karnataka
"In Rajasthan, Congress protected the accused involved in a bomb blast. All the accused got clean chit. Will you let Congress come to power in Karnataka, will you let them destroy your state."
Alert:
Bajrang Dal members in Telangana are protesting against Congress' Karnataka election manifesto, in front of party office in Hyderabad. Police are on the spot apprehending voilent protestors. The protests began after the Congressin itsKarnatakaElection 2023 manifesto announced that it would ban the outfit on the lines of PFI.
Karnataka Elections LIVE: PM Narendra Modi in Mudbidri, Karnataka
"Congress aligns with the 'Anti nationals' and takes help from Anti India forces for the polls. They take back cases on the 'Anti nationals'. They shield terror backers."
Karnataka Elections LIVE: PM Narendra Modi in Mudbidri, Karnataka
"BJP's motive is to develop Karnataka and make it a manufacturing hub. But Congress needs one vote because they want to change all the rules and laws passed by BJP. Congress needs a vote because its leader is retiring. Congress and JDS are the same, people in Karnataka need to be aware of them"
Iconic Bengaluru eatery's 'mousetrap and cheese' message ahead of Karnataka elections
With the picture was a tweet from Vidyarthi Bhavan: Just 1 more week to go... Please cast your your vote without fail and sensibly.... Read More
Alert:
BJP wants Karnataka to become No.1 in industrial and agri development, fisheries and port; we are working on it, says PM Narendra Modi at election rally
Karnataka Polls: Congress has nothing to offer to voters, says BJP minister Somanna
The BJP handpicked housing and infrastructure & development minister V Somanna to contest against Congress candidate and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah in the electoral battle for the Varuna seat on May 10. Somanna, a five-term MLA, started his career in Bengaluru as a corporator. He was with the Janata Dal and Congress and joined the BJP in 2010. Since then, he has been a minister when the BJP was in power. He is now in charge of Chamarajanagar district.
Somanna spoke to Moneycontrol on a range of matters – how the BJP is doing across the state, what factors are working in favour of the BJP, and whether he will emerge as a giant killer. Read edited excerpts here
Karnataka Election 2023: Karnataka’s next government will have to balance challenges and opportunities
Post elections the new Karnataka Government will face colossal challenges in terms of the state’s debt burden, a third of government posts lying vacant, and Begaluru’s urban mess, among other things. Labour laws, ease of doing business and investment momentum will also require attention. Lack of planning and failing infrastructure in capital Bengaluru will also be in focus, but there are opportunities as well, writes Meghna Mittal. Read here
Karnataka Bajrang Dal Row: National convener Neeraj Doneriya calls Congress call to ban "shameful"
"Congress issued the party manifesto for the Karnataka election and has connected Bajrang Dal with the PFI in it. This is very shameful that they are comparing a dal that is working for the development and benefit of society with a group that has promoted several terrorist acts. They are trying to get Muslim votes by banning us. They have always divided society in the name of religion. Bajrang Dal will protest against this shameful thing of Congress," Doneriya told ANI.
Karnataka Polls: EC takes serious note of 'plummeting level' of campaigning in Karnataka, issues advisory, asks parties to exercise restraint
The EC advisory came amid the use of barbs such as 'poisonous snake', 'vishkanya' and 'nalayak' by leaders of Congress and BJP against each other in the run-up to the Karnataka assembly elections on May 10.... Read More
Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE: Political parties wooing homebuyers in Karnataka
Political parties campaigning in Karnataka ahead of the scheduled May 10 Assembly Polls have held out a raft of promises to homebuyers. We take a quick look:
-- Congress & BJP: Amendment of the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act, 1972, to protect of homebuyers and allow formation of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)
-- Congress: Will simplify Transferable Development Rights (TDR) to help landowners who lost their plots to development projects.
-- Congress: Promised to amend building bylaws to make them owner-friendly.
-- BJP: Online availability of all resident welfare associations and compliance applications
-- BJP: Will establish a Karnataka Home Owners’ Grievance Redressal Cell to ensure seamless resolution of issues
-- BJP: Will build 1 million houses within five years
-- BJP: Will establish metro rail networks for affordable last-mile connectivity in Mysuru, Hubli-Dharwad and Belagavi.
Karnataka 2023 Assembly Polls LIVE:
In the back-and-forth over the Bajrang Dal ban promised by Congress in its poll manifesto for Karnataka, multiple BJP leaders have changed their social media display pictures or profile pictures to that of Lord Hanuman, CNN-News18 reported
Karnataka Polls: Congress demand apology from PM over Bajrang Dal remarks
The Congress on May 2 has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hurt the religious sentiments of devotees by equating the Bajrang Dal and Lord Hanuman.
"The prime minister is insulting our faith in Lord Hanuman. He should apologise to the country as he has hurt our religious sentiments as well as of crores of devotees of Bajrang Bali. No one has given the prime minister the right to insult Bajrang Bali," Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said. He also called the comparison "shameful" and "an insult to crores of devotees of Lord Hanuman".
Karnataka Elections: Congress approaches EC for campaiging ban on Amit Shah, JP Nadda and Yogi Adityanath for "hate speeches"
A delegation of Congress on May 2 alleged that BJP Chief JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and UP CM Yogi Adityanath are making "hate speeches" during their Karnataka campaiging. The party has approched the Election Commission (EC) seeking "immediate action" and a ban on the three leaders citing the Supreme Court order on such speeches.
The delegation included Congress' Salman Khurshid, Ajay Makken, Pawan Khera and Vivek Tankha.
Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE: In the battle of poll promises in Karnataka, fiscal prudence should not be the casualty
The new government will have to factor in a Rs 16,000-18,000 crore payout on the Seventh Pay Commission. Interest payments as a percentage of revenue receipts have risen from 10.6 per cent in 2019- 20 to 15.1 per cent in budget estimates for 2023-24, and off-budget borrowing is a concern too. Higher committed expenditure will leave little fiscal room for developmental spending... Read More
Karnataka Polls 2023 LIVE: Congress leader Chidambaram cautions against Uniform Civil Code, NRC
P Chidambaram on May 2 cautioned against the BJP's Karnataka Poll Manifesto promise of bringing in a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). In an press conference, the senior Congress leader said UCC and NRC are "a pernicious agenda" of the ruling party to divide and polarise the state. He said this agenda is "creeping into the south of India" and the BJP is "looking for a gateway in Karnataka".
"I am concerned deeply about the promise of the UCC and the NRC. This will divide Karnataka, this will polarise Karnataka. This will create social conflict," he said. He also called other points in the BJP manifesto "irrelevant".
Karnataka Assembly Elections LIVE: EC takes serious note of 'plummeting level' of campaigning in Karnataka
The Election Commission (EC) has taken serious note of the "plummeting level of campaign discourse" during electioneering in Karnataka and told campaigners and their political parties to "exercise caution and restraint in their utterances and not to vitiate the election atmosphere". This comes amid a volley of barbs such as 'poisonous snake', 'vishkanya' and 'nalayak' by the BJP and Congress against each other.
"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 have occasioned various complaints, cross complaints and have also attracted negative media attention," the EC said in a statement.
LIVE:
Good morning and welcome to Moneycontrol's LIVE coverage of the Karnataka Assembly Polls 2023. Stay tuned for the latest news and developments from the capaign grounds.
