BJP looks to PM Modi to turn its fortunes in Karnataka

It is a close call in Karnataka and both the Congress and BJP appear to be optimistic as of now.

One of the biggest factors that worries the BJP is that since 1985, no party has been voted back to power consecutively. While the Congress would be hoping to ride on that factor, the BJP has pinned all its hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There would be back-to-back rallied by the PM starting April 28 and ending May 7.

Karnataka votes on May 10, while the results will be out on May 13.

In many states, it has been the BJP's reliance on the Prime Minister which has won them the elections. Karnataka would be an interesting case to watch out for as the BJP is looking to him to reverse the fact that a party is never voted back to power twice in a row in the state.

While questions were asked as to why the PM has delayed his visit to the state, a party source said that they wanted the rallies to be held in the last leg.

The emphasis by the PM would be on the double-engine government. He has visited Karnataka eight times since January and during his addresses he has given a lot of emphasis on the work done by the Centre.

The rallies by the PM will begin on April 29 and would conclude on May 7, party sources tell OneIndia. The rallies will be held. On April 28, 29, May 3, 4,6 and 7. The PM's campaign would begin in Belagavi, following which he will hold rallies and public meetings at Kittur, Chikodi, Kudachi and Uttar Karnataka, Union Minister, Prahlad Joshi said.

Apart from the PM, senior leaders of the party too would be campaigning in the state. They include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Yogi Adityanath, Devendra Fadnavis, Smriti Irani among others.