Prime Minister Narendra Modi is gearing up to intensify the Lok Sabha poll campaign as he makes his way to Bengaluru and the neighboring Chikkaballapura district today. With back-to-back mega rallies planned, Modi aims to bolster support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in key constituencies of Karnataka.
Modi’s campaign blitz in Karnataka has been relentless. Last month, he stirred up enthusiasm with mega rallies in Kalaburagi and Shivamogga, and on April 14, he addressed a significant gathering in Mysuru, where he shared the stage with JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. Following this, he led a roadshow in Mangaluru.
Today’s schedule is equally packed for the Prime Minister. According to the state BJP, Modi is slated to kick off his campaign with a mega public meeting at Chokkahalli village in Chikkaballapura district at 2 PM. This event will cover the Chikkballapur and Kolar Lok Sabha constituencies. Later in the day, at 4 PM, he will engage in another massive rally at Bengaluru’s palace ground, encompassing Bangalore North, Bangalore South, Bangalore Central, and Bangalore Rural segments.
Bengaluru’s political landscape is crucial for the BJP, with North, South, and Central districts being its strongholds. Meanwhile, Rural is represented by Congress’ D K Suresh, brother of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The BJP has fielded its sitting MPs Tejasvi Surya and P C Mohan as candidates from Bangalore South and Central respectively. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje is contesting from Bangalore North.
In Chikkballapur, former Minister K Sudhakar is the BJP’s candidate, while its alliance partner JD(S) has put forward M Mallesh Babu from the Kolar Lok Sabha segment. Moreover, in Bangalore Rural, Dr C N Manjunath, an eminent cardiologist and Deve Gowda’s son-in-law, is contesting on a BJP ticket as per the arrangement with JD(S).
The election in Karnataka is unfolding in two phases. On April 26, 14 Lok Sabha segments in the southern part of the state will go to the polls, while the second phase will see voting in the northern districts on May 7.
Modi’s visit to Bengaluru and Chikkaballapura not only underscores the significance of these constituencies in the upcoming polls but also signifies the BJP’s determined efforts to consolidate its position in Karnataka. With high-profile rallies and strategic alliances, the BJP aims to sway voters and secure a strong mandate in the state.
