Campaign dust settles; it’s voting day 14 constituencies of southern Karnataka

Finally, the heat and dust of a gruelling election campaign have settled in the 14 constituencies of southern Karnataka — quite literally with rain arriving on the eve of polling day. The voters will decide the political fate of their leaders on Thursday.
Despite the shortage of time and daunting heat, there was intense campaign, especially in the last fortnight. Raids by Income Tax officials on close associates of candidates of the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) stepped up poll heat and this was demonstrated by protests, including one led by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy outside the I-T office here.
Personal attacks during rallies and roadshows, release of fake videos, and audio tapes leaked through social media marked the campaign, which has been distinct from that during the past elections.
This time around, traditional rivals, the Congress and the JD(S), are fighting together in a general election for the first time, making it a straight fight between the coalition partners and the BJP in majority of the constituencies. Interestingly, Congress leader Siddaramaiah and JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, who have not seen eye to eye for over 15 years, campaigned together this time in their attempt to create a united front against the BJP.

More videos

See All