Another set-back for BJP as MLC quits in Karnataka

The BJP faced another set-back with an MLC of the party quitting ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections to be held on May 10.

The BJP has been witnessing a spree of resignations. Now BJP MLC Aynur Manjunath has quit the party and also announced his resignation as MLC. He is however yet to announce what his future course of action would be.

The development comes just days after BJP stalwart, Jagadish Shettar announced his resignation and joined the Congress. Shettar who was denied a ticket quit the party and joined the Congress at Bengaluru this week.

Another top leader of the party who quit was Laxman Savadi. A BJP MLC, Savadi quit the BJP and joined the Congress after he was denied a ticket by the BJP.

The BJP, Congress and Janata Dal (S) are yet to release their full list of candidates. The last date to file the nomination papers is April 20. The BJP is yet to announce the list for 2 more seats, while in the case of the Congress and JD(S) it is 8 and 82. April 24 is the last date to withdraw nominations according to the schedule by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Meanwhile, BJP strongman, B S Yediyurappa said that he is confident that the BJP will form the government in Karnataka.

On the other hand, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief, D K Shivakumar said that he is confident that more from the BJP will be joining his party.

Karnataka is witnessing a high-decibel campaign. There are 224 seats up for grabs and the magic number is 113.

All eyes are also on the JD(S) with many reports suggesting that it would play kingmaker again. The opinion polls have so far tilted in favour of the Congress. Karnataka has for long not voted a party back to power and the Congress would be running high on the issue of anti-incumbency.

Elections in Karnataka will be held on May 10. The results for the single-phase elections would be out on May 13.