After a lot of criticism faced by the Modi-led BJP government across the nation, it can prove to be a sigh of relief for PM Modi with the bookies favouring BJP in Karnataka. Looking at the current betting rates which say that there is Rs 3 being offered on every Re 1 on the BJP, while Rs 10 is being offered on every Re 1 for the Congress, it can be said that with just before few hours of the elections, the bookies have declared BJP the winner there.
When AV spoke to Venkatesh, a bookie from Bangalore, he said, “The Modi rallies have made a lot of difference in Karnataka and people here are looking out for a change. The rates have been fixed after looking at the current scenario of BJP in the market.”
Modi is leading the NDA government as the Prime Minister and currently, the alliance governs 21 states. It would not be wrong to say that this is the first time in the history of Indian politics that a party (BJP-led NDA) has gained control over so many states. There is a ray of hope for BJP to break their own record by winning the Karnataka Assembly polls to be held on May 12.
Karnataka BJP Spokesperson Dr. Vaman Acharya expressed, “Karnataka residents had earlier decided to oust Congress from the state for indulging in corruption and they needed a change. This time our party has created an impact and will win the elections with a majority. Under PM Modi and Amit Shah’s leadership, it seems that BJP might become the single largest party in the country. BJP will boost development after winning the elections.”
In the midst of the diminishing Modi-wave after its failure in implementation of demonetisation, digitisation and GST, it seems Karnataka is still looking out for a change. BJP has managed to hit the right chords by attaching the sentiments of people from the world of betting with its campaigning in Karnataka. It can be a warning to the Congress but a benefit to BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa to gain the votes of the common public.
B.K. Sudhindra, a Bengaluru resident said, “Modi and Amit Shah’s presence in the rallies exclusively grabbed the attention of the Karnataka residents. While the Congress tried to play divide and rule by according minority status to the Lingayat community. As a citizen, it seems to be a drawback for Yeddyurappa as there are a few criminal cases filed against him.”
With the visit of UP’s CM Yogi Adityanath in the Karnataka and the party President Amit Shah for the campaigning, it made a tremendous impact for the BJP as they focused on pointing out Congress party’s failure in Karnataka. Boasting about his party, CM Adityanath said that the BJP is fighting the election on the principles of vikas (development), suraksha (security) and sushasan (good governance). He also targeted the lawlessness and security issues of Karnataka, he cited an example of his own state and said that after the BJP came to power all the terrorists and anti-social elements have fled away from Uttar Pradesh.
While on the other hand, the Congress tried to make their presence felt with Siddaramaiah granting minority status to the Lingayats and attract the voters but the party failed to capitalise on it. As BJP organised the mega road shows in over 150 assembly constituencies across the state, which included the attendance of the central leaders of the party, such as Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Ananth Kumar, Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan.
KPCC working President S. R. Patil stated, “The BJP will be rooted out of Karnataka. Our Chief Minister and the government did a good and substantial work for five years for the people of Karnataka without any discrimination of caste, creed, colour, and community. Our government ensures the welfare of Karnataka residents and most of the promises are fulfilled.”
He further added, “Modiji and his party are telling lies to the nation and has failed to keep its promises since the last four years. Terrorist activities have also increased during the BJP tenure. Congress will win both the Karnataka Assembly and Lok Sabha elections and Rahul Gandhi will become the next Prime Minister of the country.”
This battle between Congress and BJP is getting intense as the election date is coming close in Karnataka. It might be a tough time for the Congress to secure above 113 out of the 224 seats to gain people’s mandate. Although the ‘satta bazaar’ has given their prediction hinting the win of BJP even before voters, May 15 will reveal the upcoming ruling party of Karnataka.
BJP will definitely win Karnataka Election, no doubt there