Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched a scathing attack on the D’Cunha Commission, accusing Justice Michael D’Cunha of acting as an ‘agent’ and releasing an interim report during election time to divert public attention. Joshi also criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging corruption and using tactics to divert attention from his own alleged wrongdoings.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for getting photographed with Prajwal Revanna, a BJP candidate from Karnataka who is absconding from the country and accused of involvement in an obscene video case. Gandhi referred to the incident as a disgrace, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against Revanna, stating that the Prime Minister had shown his support for someone accused of heinous crimes that have ruined the lives of hundreds of women.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy has distanced himself from the ongoing ‘sex video’ case involving his nephew Prajwal Revanna, stating that he has nothing to do with it. Kumaraswamy made this remark while addressing a press conference on Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the Congress party for their persistent allegations against Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after their electoral defeats. He stated that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling upholding the use of EVMs has rendered the Congress’s complaints invalid. Modi also expressed concern over the Congress-led INDI Alliance’s reported plan to rotate the Prime Ministerial position among five parties, questioning the stability and future of the country under such an arrangement.
On April 26, 14 constituencies in Karnataka will head to the polls. The Election Commission and political parties are working hard to increase voter turnout, particularly in Bengaluru, where previous elections saw poor participation. The southern and coastal regions of Karnataka account for the majority of the 2.88 crore eligible voters in these 14 constituencies. As campaigning for the upcoming elections comes to an end, door-to-door campaigning will take center stage today. Meanwhile, civil society organizations continue to criticize the Election Commission of India (ECI) for failing to address hate speech, including remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election campaign in Rajasthan. Tribals in the Hunsur-Periyapatna area have expressed disappointment over the lack of attention paid to their specific demands during the election campaign.
The BJP has maintained an unbroken winning streak in all three Bengaluru Lok Sabha seats since the early 2000s. Despite the Congress’ strong performance in the 2023 state assembly polls, the party has struggled to replicate its success in parliamentary elections. This week’s episode of Decode Karnataka explores the electoral dynamics of Bengaluru and examines whether the tide will turn in 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Congress party of reducing the quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Karnataka by including Muslim castes in the same category, and claimed that the party plans to replicate this model across the country. Modi made these allegations at an election rally in Madhya Pradesh on April 24, dubbing Congress as the “biggest enemy of the OBCs.” He alleged that Congress had previously provided reservation based on religion, which is prohibited by the Indian Constitution. Modi claimed that Congress has again provided reservation on the basis of religion in Karnataka by including all Muslim castes with the OBCs, depriving the OBC community of a significant portion of their quota. He accused Congress of playing a “dangerous game” that will harm future generations and labeled the party as the “biggest enemy of the OBCs.”
The public campaign for the 14 constituencies in Karnataka going to the polls on April 26th is coming to an end, with the Chief Electoral Officer sharing final preparations for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, an election awareness jatha is being organized to encourage voting, while various cultural events are also taking place across Bengaluru.
Satish Jarkiholi, a Congress leader, urged voters in Belagavi district to confront BJP leaders about their development plans and contributions. He accused the BJP of avoiding relevant issues and resorting to sensationalism. Priyanka Jarkiholi, the Congress candidate for Chikkodi constituency, pledged to make Chikkodi a model constituency and highlighted the party’s commitment to welfare schemes.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will campaign for Karnataka Assembly elections today. Mr. Shah will lead a roadshow in Bengaluru South Lok Sabha constituency, while Ms. Gandhi will address rallies in Chitradurga and Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Congress stages a protest against alleged discrimination by the Centre on drought relief. The Supreme Court has reminded the Centre and Karnataka about the need to resolve differences amicably. BJP MLC K.P. Nanjundi resigns. K. Annamalai to lead roadshows in Udupi district. Law Minister H.K. Patil to share details on setting up a special court for the Neha Hiremath murder case. Karnataka Kannada Barahagarara Mattu Prakashakara Sangha celebrates World Book Day. Ramaseva Mandali and Sree Seshadripuram Ramaseva Samithi present vocal concerts.
