ISSUES LIKELY TO INFLUENCE THE POLLS
Lingayat separate religion status: This is a crucial issue concerning the Lingayats and Veerashaivas, two communities that were considered to belong to the same sect but now have openly aired their differences. The state government on Friday officially recognised the Lingayats and Veerashaiva-Lingayats (those who follow 12th century philosopher Basavanna's teachings) as a religious minority, pending Central approval. However, it was opposed by Veerashaivas, who are said to be a minority within the sect
Kannada identity: Since the beginning of 2017, chief minister Siddaramaiah has brought in a series of policies aimed at cultivating a language-based regional identity. Last month, the government sent a proposal to the centre calling for a state flag. Other measures include making singing the state anthem and learning Kannada mandatory in schools
Hindutva: The BJP has over the past year made a concerted effort to galvanise Hindu voters by highlighting the alleged anti-Hindu bias of the government. It has alleged repeatedly that the government watched as 24 of its workers were murdered by "Jihadis", a claim contested by the Congress
Party unity: All three major parties have faced internal disputes over the past year. While seven rebel MLAs of the JD(S) joined the Congress recently, BJP president Amit Shah tried to mend disputes within his own party in the state through a dinner meeting with Yeddyurappa and former minister KS Eshwarappa. Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, continues to be viewed as an outsider by Congress leaders, as he shifted from the JD(S) in 2006
Agriculture: The state government's record over the past five years in the agriculture sector has already become a major issue, with the BJP and JD(S) criticising the Congress for mishandling agrarian distress. The government, on the other hand, has highlighted its outlay on irrigation and other measures like building 180,000 farm ponds to prove that it has done more for farmers than others
Anti-incumbency: No party won consecutive elections since 1985