Karnataka: Modi to hold dozen rallies to woo voters

Bengaluru: Despite claims by the Congress party that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given up the idea of campaigning in Karnataka as the BJP is on a losing wicket here, it appears he is likely to address 10 or 12 rallies in Chikkodi, Raichur, Bengaluru and Vijayapura , starting April 18 or 20.

Party general secretary and Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP, Shobha Karandlaje said that the state unit had requested the Prime Minister to hold  over 12 rallies in the state.

Congress  president, Rahul Gandhi has already concluded much of his Karnataka tour and going by party sources, may address a few more rallies. “Local party leaders and Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah himself are so popular that Mr Gandhi might not make the effort to tour the state again,” they added.

By contrast, the BJP seems to be heavily banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to see it through these elections. "He addressed a few rallies and now, his tour will be finalised only after the finalisation of candidates. For us, Mr Modi has to present the candidate to the voters as this will send a different message to them," said a senior leader, recalling that the last time Mr Modi addressed rallies, he coined two catchy phrases, “Ten percent sarkar” and  Seeda Rupaiah (instead of Siddaramaiah) government” to say that state government is corrupt.