Karnataka Elections 2023 Updates: BJP manifesto for Karnataka 'development-centric', says PM Modi

18:08 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Win in Karnataka will be 'super booster dose' for Congress: Jairam Ramesh

A win in the Karnataka polls will be a "super booster dose" for the Congress electorally after the Bharat Jodo Yatra revitalised the party ideologically and organisationally, senior leader Jairam Ramesh has said. The Congress general secretary (in-charge communications) said that while the 2024 parliamentary elections are still some months away, the outcome in Karnataka would definitely impact the crucial assembly polls later this year in states such as Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

"A win (in Karnataka polls) will be a super booster dose for the Congress. It will strengthen the Congress as we go to the polls in Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram," Ramesh, who is on the campaign trail in Karnataka, told PTI in an interview.

17:17 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

BJP promises to implement uniform civil code, NRC in poll-bound Karnataka

In its manifesto for the May 10 Assembly polls, the ruling BJP on Monday promised implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), free cooking gas cylinders thrice a year for BPL families and 'Atal' food centres to provide affordable and healthy food.

"We will implement the UCC in Karnataka based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee which is to be constituted for the purpose," according to the manifesto. We will introduce the National Register of Citizens in Karnataka and ensure speedy deportation of all illegal immigrants in the state".

16:56 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

BJP will not make a Lingayat CM at any cost: HD Kumaraswamy

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Monday, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party "will not make" a Chief Minister from the Lingayat community "at any cost".He made these remarks while campaigning for party candidate Hanumanta.

16:37 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Congress doesn't have an answer on how to politically deal with PM Modi's popularity: Nalin Kohli

"Congress party perhaps doesn't have an answer on how to politically deal with PM Modi's popularity and his positive agenda of change for building a new India", says BJP leader Nalin Kohli.

16:06 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slams BJP on 'corruption'

The Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, interrupted his address at a public gathering in Tumkuru, Karnataka, on Monday when he heard the Azaan (the Muslim call to prayer).

The former Wayanad MP attacked the BJP-led administration in the southern state, declaring, "For the last three years, BJP has only done corruption here. The people of Karnataka call this regime a "40 per cent government", as they take a 40 per cent cut or commission from contractors. The PM was also aware of this. So I would like to ask him why he didn't take any action on it". Rahul was disqualified as a Lok Sabha member after being convicted and punished in a criminal defamation case. 

15:44 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

This election is not about you: Rahul Gandhi hits out at PM in poll-bound Karnataka

Attacking the Prime Minister over his claim that he was "abused 91 times," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Monday that Narendra Modi should understand that the Karnataka election was not about him.

The former AICC president poked fun at Modi's claim that verbal abuse was directed at him by asking him to talk about the BJP government's accomplishments and upcoming initiatives for Karnataka rather than himself.

 “You (Modi) come to campaign in Karnataka for elections but don't speak about Karnataka. You speak about yourself. You have to say what you did in Karnataka for the past three years. You also have to speak in your speeches about what you will be doing in the next five years, what will do for youth, education, health and to fight corruption," Gandhi said.

Addressing a public meeting here in Tumakuru district, Gandhi said, "This election is not about you, it is about Karnataka's people and its future. You say Congress abused you 91 times, but you never speak about what you did for Karnataka. In your next speech, you speak about what you did and what you will do in the next five years."  

15:26 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

BJP manifesto for Karnataka 'development-centric', says PM Modi

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the BJP's manifesto for the Karnataka assembly elections as being "development-centric" and said it sets the stage for building on the positive changes made by the party's administration in the state over the previous four years.

In Bengaluru, BJP President J P Nadda unveiled the party's platform, dubbed "BJP Praja Pranalike," promising to create a developed and wealthy Karnataka if the party is elected to power.

The party has pledged to establish the National Register of Citizens, and the Uniform Civil Code, and to provide all BPL households with three free cooking gas cylinders and a daily half-litre of Nandini milk. A plethora of initiatives for the state's development have also been revealed. 

15:19 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Congress will definitely form govt in Karnataka on its own, says two-time Jewargi MLA Ajay Singh

Ajay Singh, the party's leader and a current MLA from Jewargi, declared on Sunday that the people of Karnataka have already rejected the incumbent BJP ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections and that Congress will undoubtedly form the next government on its own.

The family's home district in Kalaburagi, where Ajay Singh was first elected to office in 2013, is Jewargi Assembly Constituency, where the son of former Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh is aiming for a hat-trick of victories.

Since 1972, his father has served as the Jewargi Assembly Constituency's representative eight times in a row

14:54 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Amit Shah holds roadshow in Tumkuru 

In preparation for the state Assembly elections in Karnataka on 10 May, Union Minister Amit Shah hosted a roadshow in Tumkuru on Monday. 

An ceremony in Bengaluru earlier in the day saw the unveiling of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's platform for the Karnataka Assembly elections, which included a number of pledges including the yearly distribution of three free cooking gas cylinders to every BPL (Below Poverty Level) families.

14:54 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

'Modi Tsunami in Karnataka, Congress scared': BJP hits backs at 'CryPMpayCM' 

The BJP asserted on Monday that there is a "Modi Tsunami" in the southern state and that the Congress was afraid of it in response to the 'CryPMpayCM' campaign of the former in the election-bound state of Karnataka. 

"First they (Congress) called us a 40-per cent commission government and now they are carrying out this PayCM campaign against us. Neither of these campaigns have failed to resonate with the masses. Now there is a Modi Tsunami in the state. Disturbed by the BJP's popularity in the state, the Congress has resorted to campaigning against PM Modi on social media. They are scared," BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said.

14:27 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Maharashtra Congress President says 'Congress will win over 150 seats'

Nana Patole, the president of the Maharashtra Congress, comments on the BJP's Karnataka manifesto and predicts that "BJP will lose, and Congress will win over 150 seats."

#WATCH | Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole speaks on BJP's Karnataka manifesto; says "BJP will get defeated and Congress will win over 150 seats." pic.twitter.com/jeCdD96uua— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2023

14:00 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

'BJP taking care of need, not greed', says BJP President JP Nadda 

JP Nadda, the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who released the party's manifesto for the Karnataka Assembly elections on Monday, distinguished it from a freebie and stated that the party is "taking care of the need (of the poor) under welfare scheme and not greed." 

Today in Bengaluru, the BJP unveiled its 16-point election platform. The party pledged a number of guarantees, with the crucial commitment of yearly distributing three free cooking gas cylinders to all BPL (Below Poverty Level) families.

In the months of Yugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Deepavali, three installments of one free cylinder each will be given out.

13:56 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

BJP means betrayers, should release report card before manifesto: Siddaramaiah

Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Monday attacked the governing party, alleging it has broken most of its election-related commitments only moments after the BJP announced its platform for the Karnataka Assembly elections on 10 May. 

Siddaramaiah reportedly claimed that the BJP stands for "betrayers" and dared the saffron party to provide a "report card" with its platform.

13:47 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds mega roadshow in Karnataka's Tumakuru

A roadshow is held in Karnataka's Tumkuru District by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds a roadshow in Tumkuru District, Karnataka.#KarnatakaElection2023 pic.twitter.com/MJrG3Fhd9P— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2023

13:05 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Assam CM holds roadshow at Koratagere 

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, conducts a roadshow in Koratagere in the Karnataka province of Tumkur.

#WATCH | Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma holds a roadshow at Koratagere in Tumkuru District, Karnataka.#KarnatakaElection2023 pic.twitter.com/Rh2JOyG36b— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2023

12:52 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

On the basis of the manifesto, BJP to win about 135-140 seats, says former Karnataka CM

Former CM BS Yediyurappa stated that everything has been covered in the manifesto and that they would win about 135 to 140 seats in the upcoming elections in Karnataka.

Bengaluru | All the points have been covered in the manifesto and it is a very good manifesto. On its basis, we are going to win about 135 to 140 seats in the upcoming elections in the state," says former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa pic.twitter.com/zUNOgPRItB— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2023

12:46 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

BJP releases poll manifesto, promises UCC, NRC

The Bharatiya Janta Party released its election manifesto today in the poll-bound state of Karnataka. The ‘Praja Dhwani’ manifesto includes the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, creating 10 lakh jobs in the manufacturing sector and a state capital region tag for Bengaluru, among other promises.

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12:26 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

'#CryPMPayCM govt releases another bogus manifesto', says Congress leader

Congress leader Srivatsa slams BJP for releasing a 'bogus manifesto'.

After not fulfilling 90% of their manifesto promises made in 2018, the #CryPMPayCM 40% Commission BJP Govt has released another BOGUS Manifesto.

- After tripling LPG cylinder prices, they are not offering 3 cylinders free to BPL families. Why not reduce cylinder prices to…— Srivatsa (@srivatsayb) May 1, 2023

12:06 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Karnataka Congress questions Bommai govt over COVID deaths, farmers' suicide

After criticising the Karnataka government for allegedly engaging in a 40 per cent commission, the Congress state unit on Sunday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party for managing COVID during the epidemic and claimed that the Basavaraj Bommai administration had not kept track of any fatalities. 

The party also criticised the state administration for failing to keep track of the number of farmer suicides that have occurred there.

"To our Prime Minister - Karnataka's neighbours do not count the dead, There is no count of deaths due to Corona, There is no count of those who died without getting oxygen, There is no count of farmers who committed suicide, The number of youths who died due to unemployment is not counted, Road pothole deaths are not counted. The only thing that matters is what people say," Karnataka Congress tweeted on Sunday. 

With the polling day inching closer, the allegations and counter-allegations among the political parties have seen a spike with the BJP and Congress slamming each other over several issues including corruption.

11:58 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Manifesto for Karnataka created with due excercise, says BJP national president

JP Nadda stated that BJP workers had visited very corner of Karnataka before the manifesto was created and that a great deal of toil and perseverance went into it.

#WATCH | The manifesto for Karnataka has not been formulated sitting in an AC room, rather a due exercise has been done; a great amount of toil and perseverance by our workers who visited every corner of the State was done, before this was created: BJP national president JP Nadda pic.twitter.com/Hh1zkyJLqA— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2023

11:46 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Key points from BJP's poll manifesto

• Karnataka will adopt the Uniform Civil Code in accordance with the recommendations of the high-level committee that will be established for this purpose.
• BPL families would receive three LPG cylinders for free during Yugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Deepavali.
• Every ward of every municipal corporation will have an Atal Aahara Kendra to supply inexpensive and high-quality food across the state.
• Under 'Sarvarigu Suru Yojane', 10 lakh homes to be provided for the homeless 
• 'Onake Obavva Samajika Nyayah Nidhi' to provide a matching deposit of upto Rs 10,000 on five year fixed deposits made under the scheme by SC/ST women
• Will establish the Karnataka Residents Welfare Consultative Committee in order to update the grievance resolution process and reform the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act, 1972.
• Under Visvesvaraya Vidya Yojane, government to partner with eminent individuals and institutions for holistic upgradation of government schools 
• Financial incentives for youth to pursue coaching for IAS/KAS/Banking/Government jobs.
• Free annual master health check-up for senior citizens
• Will develop Bengaluru by designating as 'State Capital Region' and execute a comprehensive, technology-led city development program.
• Will transform Karnataka into a premier hub of electric vehicles by setting up charging stations, supporting 1,000 startups, converting BMTC buses into fully electric buses and creating an 'EV city' on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
• The Rs 30,000 crore K-Agri Fund would be used to create micro-cold storage facilities, agro processing units in all GPs, five new agro-industry clusters, and three new food processing parks.

11:35 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

JP Nadda releases BJP's poll manifesto for Karnataka elections

BJP's manifesto for Karnataka Assembly polls promises to provide 3 free cooking gas cylinders to all BPL families annually; and to launch the 'Poshana' scheme, under which every BPL household will receive half a litre of Nandini milk every day, as well as 5 kg of Shri Anna - Siri dhanya via monthly ration kits.

It also promises to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Karnataka based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee. The manifesto also promises to improve 'ease of living' of apartment dwellers in Bengaluru and to modernise the grievance redressal mechanism.

#WATCH | BJP national president JP Nadda releases party's vision document/manifesto for Karnataka elections in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/qm2wyGdppZ— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2023

11:25 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

JP Nadda releases BJP's manifesto for Karnataka Assembly polls

The party's manifesto or vision statement for the Karnataka Assembly elections was unveiled by Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda on Monday in Bengaluru. 

Both current chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa were present.

In past manifestos, the BJP claimed to have touched every segment of society. 

In its manifesto for the 2018 Assembly polls, the party had also included cow protection measures in its manifesto. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also campaigning in the last leg of the BJP's campaign for the Karnataka polls. He has already conducted a number of rallies and held roadshows, the latest of which was in Mysuru, a traditional JDS bastion, on Sunday.

11:06 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

'If we don't unite...': Kharge takes a dig at BJP in Karnataka

The future of the next generation "will be jeopardised" if Karnataka voters do not come together and support Congress in the next Assembly elections, said Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress.

Kharge asked for their cooperation in building the Congress government with an "overwhelming majority," stressing the importance of the electorate's unity.

10:58 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

BJP releases 'Praja Dhwani' election manifesto

Sources said the BJP manifesto may focus on welfare measures for the youth, infrastructure development and women empowerment.

10:30 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Rahul Gandhi to hold three public meetings in Karnataka today

Today, the Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi will conduct public gatherings in Hassan, Tumkur, and Chamarajanagar.

10:01 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

Former PM Deve Gowda to canvass for JD(S) candidate in Mangaluru on May 1

On Monday, JD(S) president H D Deve Gowda will make a campaign stop in the Karnataka district of Dakshina Kannada, which is up for election.

Gowda, who just left the Congress and joined the JD(S), would be canvassing Mangaluru North voters for party candidate Mohiudeen Bava.

09:59 (IST)

Karnataka Elections 2023 LIVE 

BJP President JP Nadda to release election manifesto today

BJP National President JP Nadda will release the party’s election manifesto today in the poll-bound state of Karnataka. Nadda will be joined by Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai and party veteran Yediyurappa at the launch of the manifesto.

According to some sources, the manifesto will be centred around welfare measures for the youth, infrastructure development and women empowerment.

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