Delayed elections, 140 seats, more from BJP to switch: The many claims by Karnataka Congress

The elections in Karnataka are a closely watched one. The Congress and the BJP are in a close fight, while the JD(S) looks to play kingmaker

The Congress said that the BJP wanted to announce the Karnataka elections, immediately after the Gujarat polls, but it backed out.

Congress president, D K Shivakumar said that there were only 50 days remaining for the elections. The BJP wanted to urgently call for the elections after the 2022 Gujarat polls. They held discussions with officials and had also decided on the dates. However it is getting delayed, he added.

Meanwhile the Congress claimed that as per its internal survey, the party would win 140 seats in the 224 member assembly.

Shivakumar said that many sitting MLAs of the BJP will be joining the party in the days to come.

Shivakumar was speaking with reporters after inducting two former BJP MLAs into the party.

Shivakumar also said that the BJP wanted to call the elections soon after its win in Gujarat, but had backtracked on the move.

On the BJP legislators joining the Congress, Shivakumar said that he would not name them as of now. There are many who would join the Congress and discussions are on, he added.

On the chances of the Congress, he said that their earlier survey had predicted that the party would end up winning 136 seats. However our latest survey predicts that we will win 140 seats or above, he added. The change has already begun and we are seeing it as we travel the state, he added.

The BJP feels that the more days they get, it would be beneficial for them. Everyday short-term tenders are happening and mobilisation of advance is taking place. Tenders are being released, money is being spent in haste, without looking at anything, he further said.

We are ready to face the elections, even if it is held immediately. The Election Commission should announce the dates, without allowing these things to happen. This large scale corruption has to stop, Shivakumar also said.

Former chief minister and Congress leader, Siddaramaiah said that the Hindutva card will not work in Karnataka. People have become aware. They are now attempting to win an election and come to power by spending crores of ill-gotten money they have accumulated through loot and corruption, he said.

Karnataka Assembly elections:

The Karnataka Assembly elections are slated to be held in April-May. The Election Commission of India is yet to announce the date for the elections.

The ruling BJP is in contest with the Congress in the state. The Janata Dal (S) is another key player in these elections. The JD(S) on the other hand projected to win anything between 30-40 seats is expected to play kingmaker.

There has been no clear mandate in Karnataka since 2004, barring the year 2013, when the Congress emerged victorious with a comfortable majority.