In Karnataka, straight battle between Modi’s vows, Cong’s schemes

On one side is a strong alliance of BJP and JD(S) that, arithmetically speaking, has 49% of the popular votes as per their performance in the 2023 assembly elections. On the other, stands the Congress that won the Karnataka state polls with a record 135 seats, more than any party in the last 35 years.

The young alliance of the BJP-JD(S) is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charisma, his “guarantees” (as listed in the BJP manifesto) and their combined vote share to sweep Karnataka in the Lok Sabha elections.

Last time, the BJP won 25 of the state’s 28 seats, and supported an independent in the 26th (she won).

This time, the BJP and the JD(S), which struck an alliance in January, is not leaving anything to chance, and its campaign themes revolve around welfare, nationalism, development, and Modi. But the two parties also need to ensure

DURING THE 2019 ELECTIONS, THE BJP WON 25 OF THE STATE’S 28 SEATS, AND SUPPORTED AN INDEPENDENT IN THE 26TH, WHO WON THE SEAT

a critical part of their pact: the transfer of JD(S )votes to the BJP and vice versa.

Virupakshapa, the general secretary of the city unit of the BJP (and who uses only one name), said: “In our campaigns, we compare between India and Pakistan. We tell voters how India is economically stronger that Sri Lanka and Pakistan. We also talk of nationalism, Hinduism, how Modi constructed the Ram Temple, and how Kashi is redeveloped.”

AP Two Malaysian military helicopters collided midair and crashed during a training session on Tuesday, killing all 10 people on board and injuring a swimmer in a pool, authorities said. The helicopters were rehearsing at a naval base in northern Perak state for the navy’s 90th anniversary celebration when the accident occurred, the navy said in a brief statement.