Importance of Karnataka

The BJP planning to avenge ‘political betrayal’ and the Janata Dal(S) trying to emerge as the balancing factor once again. These elections are much bigger than just that. A report by KV Lakshmana.

The Karnataka marathon has well and truly begun. The familiar blame game, criminal candidates, rebel headaches, high voltage campaigns, colourful contestants and money and muscle power have all made another appointed appearance. The only difference this time is that moneybags from the real estate and mines have ousted others such as the liquor lobby for a stake in political power.

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The first phase of polling takes place on May 10, with the two others following May 16 and May 22.

The BJP planning to avenge ‘political betrayal’ and the Janata Dal(S) trying to emerge as the balancing factor once again.

These elections are much bigger than just that. AICC secretary Praveen Davar was sounding confident when he said that the Congress was on the way to form a government in the state as the people have seen through the BJP and the JD(S). With the return of former chief minister SM Krishna, the party has got a boost.

Equally confident was H Ananthakumar, BJP general secretary and former Union minister. He too realises the importance of the Karnataka polls as its outcome would give a momentum to whichever party that wins the race ahead of crucial assembly elections in the four states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi later this year.