PM Modi likely to address nearly 20 rallies in run-up to Karnataka Assembly election

NEW DELHI: In the run-up to the keenly contested battle for Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is keen to brighten its prospects on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the party’s biggest face.

“We are hoping that PM Modi holds between 15-20 rallies in Karnataka ahead of the May 10 polling”, a senior BJP leader told ANI. The BJP, which is ruling Karnataka and is hoping to return to power, will be pitching for growth under the “double engine government”.

PM Modi will visit the state this weekend, his first visit since the announcement of the Assembly election dates and eighth visit to the state this year. He will visit in Mysuru on April 9.

A Karnataka BJP MP said that the party has strong organisational base in the state. “The biggest factor that stands out for us is the commitment of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre which has ensured that peace and development go hand in hand in the state”, the MP said.

In the run-up to the state polls, the BJP appointed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as its election in-charge. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai are co-incharges.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is heading the party’s campaign committee while the election management committee is headed by Union minister Shobha Karandlaje. The counting of votes for the Assembly polls will take place on May 13. (ANI)