Bengaluru: The Congress and BJP will lock horns on the electoral battleground again, in less than a year, in Karnataka as the stage is set for voting in the first phase in 14 Lok Sabha seats on Friday.
It's going to be a straight fight between the ruling Congress and the BJP-JD(S) combine unlike the Assembly elections in May last year which witnessed a triangular contest among the three parties.
The state has a total of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies. The second phase of polling in the remaining 14 seats is on May seven.
A total of 247 candidates -- 226 men and 21 women -- are in the fray for the first phase in most of the southern and coastal districts.
More than 2.88 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 30,602 polling stations where polling will take place between 7 am to 6 pm.
While the Congress is contesting in all 14 seats, BJP has fielded nominees in 11 and its alliance partner JD(S), which joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in three -- Hassan, Mandya and Kolar.
Besides the three, the segments where elections will be held on Friday are: Udupi-Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South and Chikkballapur.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Congress and JD(S), which were in alliance and ruling the state then, had secured just one seat each in these 14 segments. The BJP had won in 11 and ensured the victory of a party supported independent candidate in Mandya.
Having scored a thumping victory in the Assembly elections, the Congress now appears determined to put up a strong show.
Karnataka is the most important state for the BJP in south India as it's only here that it had held power in the past. 'Its alliance partner JD(S) is fighting to remain politically relevant, after the Assembly poll drubbing,' a political analyst said.
The Old Mysore region is the Vokkaliga heartland and parts of it have been the traditional bastion of the JDS. However, the current elections are a battle for survival for JDS.
According to Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena, 1.4 lakh polling officials will be on duty for the first phase.
Besides them, 5,000 micro-observers, 50,000 civil police personnel, 65 companies of Central Parliamentary Force and State Armed Police force of other States will also be deployed for security.
All the 2,829 polling stations of Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency will be webcast, Meena said.
'This is as per the request of our returning officers and observers; so we have given more than double the Central parliamentary force for Bangalore Rural constituency. Seven companies of Central paramilitary forces have been inducted at the constituency since April 22,' he told reporters on Wednesday.
In fact, out of the total 30,602 polling stations in the first phase, 19,701 will be webcast, and 1,370 covered via CCTVs, he said.
Chikkaballapur has a maximum number of 29 candidates, followed by 24 in Bangalore Central, and Dakshina Kannada has the least number - nine.
JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy from Mandya, his brother-in-law and noted cardiologist C N Manjunath from Bangalore Rural on a BJP ticket, erstwhile Mysuru royal family scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar from Mysore, also from the BJP, and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's brother and MP D K Suresh of Congress from Bangalore Rural, are among the prominent candidates in the fray in the first phase.
Also in the fray are BJP MP Tejasvi Surya from Bangalore South against Minister Ramalinga Reddy's daughter Sowmya Reddy of Congress, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on BJP ticket from Bangalore North against former IIM Bangalore professor M V Rajeev Gowda of Congress.
The Congress' performance in the elections, especially in the first phase which covers almost all Vokkaliga-dominated districts, is being seen as a big test of sorts for its state unit chief Shivakumar, who has made no secret of his ambition to become chief minister, amid speculations of change in guard mid-way of the Assembly term.
Stakes are also high for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, as victory in particular in his home turf—Mysore and Chamarajanagar—is seen as key for strengthening hands, analysts say.
For the JD(S) and its state chief Kumaraswamy, the task is cut out -- to prove that the regional party is still a force to reckon with, particularly in the Vokkaliga dominated Old Mysuru or South Karnataka region.
Both Shivakumar and Kumaraswamy are Vokkaligas, and are engaged in a fierce turf war to consolidate their clout over the dominant community.
It is also seen as a kind of a 'litmus test' for state BJP president B Y Vijayendra, who has the onerous task of helping the party retain its supremacy in the Lok Sabha elections.
Ensuring a BJP sweep is paramount for the son of veteran leader B S Yediyurappa, to consolidate his position and silence critics who have questioned his selection for the post, overlooking seniors and seasoned hands.
The ruling Congress is mostly banking on the implementation of its populist five guarantee schemes. The BJP and JD(S) seem to be leveraging the 'Modi factor' to the hilt.
Comments
Namasthe to all.Islam,Jewish Religion and Christianity are Semitic religions.They do not consider other religions as religions.Yehovah and Allah are none other than LORD SHIVA.MOSES' tomb is in KASHMIR.
JESUS CHRIST'S TOMB is in KASHMIR.KA'ABA IN MECCA IS A ShIVA TEMPLE. ANGEL GABRIEL IS NONE OTHER THAN GODDESS PARVATI. In HINDU religion GOD is formless and merciful to all people irrespective of their creed and race. Jews and Arabs are originated in Bharat. ABRAHAM AND SARAH ARE LORD BRAHMA AND GODDESS SARASWATI. NOAH IS NONE OTHER MANU THE PROGENITOR OF HUMAN KIND. HINDUS should deeply study their religion and other religions.
Happy to read the news. Here is a beautiful website for Muslims and non-Muslims: www.islamicsolutions.com
Happy to read the news.
All religion is a manual for human kind to follow the guidelines of righteousness.These all religions are part of Gods revelation and we humans have intepreted for our own benefits.Hence there is variations and divisions.Those don't trust then one should do the research and conclude, rather puting your own knowledge based on assumptions.
Allah hu Akbar. Dear Brother Mohammed Abul Samad congratulation. May Allah Subhanawataala give u good spirit n health also u try to join spreading ( dawa ) islam. Insha Allah. Allah will pardon your past sins. N Allah will award u in this world n hereafter. All the best. Take care of your health. Allah Hafiz.
Welcome to Islam
Congratulations Mr. Abdul Samad.... Welcome to Islam the religion of peace.
Congratulations Mr Abdul Samad Welcome to Islam the religion of peace,.
Welcome to islam brother! Another terrorist in the making
Welcome to Pislam brother the religion of intolerance
Welcome to Shitslam brother!
Welcome to shitslam brother
All praise to The Creator Who has saved His slave from hell fire.
Any one who search for truth and try to find out the reality of himself and universe will ultimately embrace Islam. As no religion except Islam gives the scientific and logical answer to the creation of universe. So the requirement is only to educate people and develop a sense to search for truth and not live the life of animal without thinking of beginning and end of this universe.
Welcome to Islam
My dear beloved brother.
Right choice Right Direction
Allah's blessing you to show the right path to reach the paradise
ALLAHU AKBAR! Welcome this brother to the Religion of Rabbil A'alameen, Allah the Eternal and Absolute!!
Comments sections ... BURNOL MOMENT FOR SANGHIS...!!
Dear friend its a pleasant news, Subanallah may Alllah Almighty bless you with all his bounties Insha Allah now definitely you will realise what is islam and why islam called as religion of peace and humanity.
Dear Nagaraj Ramarao... (#35)
When U say there is no GOD but ALLAH and Muhammad pbuh is the messenger of GOD... All your sins are forgiven even if it is as big as a mountain...ALLAH is most forgiving and Most merciful...
It is better for you to look Who is ALLAH and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad pbuh.. If you read QURAN...U will be introduced to the REALITY of this LIFE ... and there is a special message from God directly to YOU and ME .. who is the CREATION of HIM. It is the best blessing one should have to connect with the CREATOR. So i request all non muslims to read with open heart \ the message of the CREATOR 'The QURAN'\"
When ALLAH forgives him Who are WE to throw Him... Everything is in the hands of ALLAH and those who are blessed with the knowledge of TRUTH are blessed...Cos people who keep HATRED and EVIL are in DARKNESS from this BLESSINGS ... and we SEE lot of HATRED and EVIL coming out of RSS headquarters which many youth follow BLINDLY without knowing the REALITY of LIFE."
commentors like vijay some say, he is one terror group to another terror group, now u have shiva sene terror group before its not. first clean ur hatred heart
as UMAR KHATTHAB (R.A)
Nepal is hindu country Right? Why there is Murder Rape Etc if you want to Know Islam dont see the country see the quran and study the life of prohet muhammed (saw) and his companions
I know some people can't take this in. Isn't it foolish to think that each and everything in this world as god???
Reply to vineey ashok London
All those indulge in terrorism activities carrying Muslim names are not true followers of Islam and they are misled just like you are
So wake up pal and understand Islam and I invite to embrace Islam
he is weak person. he blamed islam . islam should throw him out
he ditched hindu , he ditched his parents. selfish fellow. he want to get seat from political party
islam should not accept him. he told once he will throw islam
all religions are supreme. He is a weak person, he should have fought
islam should throw him out. he is selfish, and he will ditch islam
though he does not believe himself, he is a traitor. he want seat from other party.
Messenger of ALLAH, MUHAMMAD pbuh, said \He who becomes good in Islam, will not be punished for what he committed during his Jahiliyyah (before ISLAM). He who become bad in Islam, will face a punishment for his previous and later deeds\"."
AaHLaan Waa SaahLaan ya Akhiii
May ALLAH give HIDAYAH to the rest of GOONS
Pakistan is a republic country not an Islamic sharia (law) following country.If Islam was spread & preached by sword as some people think it would not be the fastest growing religion in US,Europe..I remember a conference held in Chennai by Dr.Zakir Naik in which he requested to Hindu brothers to preach Sanskrit to their children & made an appeal to then ruling party of INDIA BJP & requested to Bjp's NDA chief MR.LAL KRISHNA ADVANI & PM of our country at that period MR.ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE to make Sanskrit compulsory in schools so that everyone can read VEDAS. Hindu brothers please read your authentic vedas then read QURAN & dont fall prey to political people. MIM leader Asad uddin Owaisi is a straight forward practicing Muslim who don't fears RSS & its ideologies .may I know a single freedom fighters name from RSS.
Brothers who ever comment here against Sushil Kumar Jain's decision. Hazrath Umar was a staunch enemy of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who set out in a morning to kill him wielding sword in his hand. But previous night prophet asked to the creator of the universe to assist him by giving straight path to one of the two either Abu Jahal or Umar. Almighty has accepted his prayer and gave Islam to Umar. We wont even wonder if Modi or Ram Bagawath accepts Islam. It is all in His hand. We just keep going peacefully on the way of our prophet Muhammed peace be upon him.
The brothers who comment negative to Sushil Kumar Jain's decision should understand here one thing. This kind of miracle is in the hands of the creator. Umar the staunch enemy of our prophet Muhammad who set out to kill him wielding the sword in his hand. But previous night prophet prayed to Allah to assist him with one of the two either Abu Jahal or Umar. Allah accepted prophet's prayer and gave straight path to Umar. Even we Muslims wont wonder if Ram Bagawath or Modi accepts Islam. It is all in His hand.
Masha Allah. It's good to see people are accepting Islam. Alhamdulillah.
This is just the beginning we are gonna witness many more in coming days in sha Allah. May Allah guide us all into the right path.
This is just the begining, we are gonna witness many more.. May allah guide us all to right path..
So a guy who is disappointed with his party because he didn't get what he wanted, converts to Islam as a publicity stunt and retards here are going alhamdulillah, mashallah as if he has done this sincerely. No wonder people think you are morons.
He finally understood the religion.
masha allah.. islam is best religion to follow..but mostly followers are not good..they are only muslim by name..not trying to understand the real islam..
ALLAH O AKBAR
Ghar vapasi without any provocation
Pakistan is an Islamic country right? I see all you guys says Islam is purity and peace...why so much of violence there?Can somebody justify this?
I have seriously no issue in people selecting his religion but the post here are just sick.
Wow Amazing. Allahu Akbar
Alhamdulillah
Shreyas Jain, Dont get jealous....Muslims will not offer any money...people come to the fold of Islam because it spreads only peace and tranquility....and they understand truth....
ALHAMDULLILLAH (Thanks to ALLAH)... ALLAHU AKBAR (God is GREATEST)
There is NO GOD but ALLAH..& MUHAMMAD pbuh is the LAST & FINAL messenger & Slave of ALLAH.
Prophet Muhammad pbuh taught us
There is only one God ALLAH
There were many prophet sent by ALLAH to convey this message to the People.
He selected the prophet from their own group to convey this message of ONENESS...
In SHAA ALLAH in near future... we will see more enemies of present INDIA will follow when they come to know the REALITY of ONE GOD
When we know the REALITY of TRUTH, they will know that those who WORSHIP man made Gods are in FALSE.
Dear HINDU brothers ... READ QURAN and UNDERSTAND what it says if U are really honest ... ALLAH will GUIDE U ALL>>.. & U will surely RECOGNIZE the devils of the SOciety which is encouraging YOU to commit violence... Please read QURAN and THINK & PONDER what it SAYS.
What's over happened all these are in beginning stage, you Bull of the Gate no one not read properly, Master Viren Koti Anna you are the biggest Buffoon in this world, why you bring MIM here maharaya???? never ever improve, our greatest people fight for freedom you Chelas of RSS killed our father of Nation. now the turning point you Goonda Criminals!!!!!!!
If God Almighty guides nobody can misguide
Ask for true giudance from Almighty
Dear Hindu brothers and sisters we muslims say the
Gayathri Mantra
compulsorily in our prayer 5 times That is the opening chapter of the quran .
Please read the prayer whole heartedly for true guidance . You will be guided
welcome to religion of peace, islam is the way of life. when islam enters anybody's life, men will become a complete men , women will become a complete women and human will become a complete human.
Allahu akbar
@BINOY MANGALORE,
KEEP RESPECT IN COMMENTS WHAT HAPPENED TO ANANTH KUMAR HEGDE ONE WHO WAS TALKING IN ROAD AGAINST ISLAM
NOW CASE IN CHOOR BAZAR ISLAM IS PEASE ..
ISLAM NEVER SAID TO BLAME ANATHER RELIGION ISLAM TOLD T
ALLAHU AKBAR
Congratulations!
Truth prevailed.....
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