Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been holding roadshows in key parts of Karnataka in the lead-up to the state’s assembly elections. The first of two roadshows in Bengaluru on Saturday could be a gamechanger and make history in the state’s electoral politics.<\/p>\n
In the 2018 elections, the BJP fell short of nine seats, but formed a government with the help of some Congress and JDS MLAs. However, the coalition did not last and the BJP came to power. BJP’s poor performance in Bengaluru city and some parts of Karnataka was attributed to the failure of its workers to micro-manage at the booth level.<\/p>\n
To avoid a repeat of this in 2023, PM Modi and Karnataka BJP leaders are focusing on winning all the seats in Bengaluru city. During his campaign, PM Modi traversed 26 kms in the city and plans to hold a 10-km roadshow the following day as well. His roadshow passed through Padmanabha Nagar, where the former Deputy Chief Minister and sitting Revenue Minister of Karnataka, R Ashok, is fighting the election.<\/p>\n
PM Modi’s opponents, particularly the Congress, have questioned his roadshows. However, devoting maximum time and energy to election campaigns has always been a part of PM Modi’s strategy, and he enjoys connecting with people directly. PM Modi’s rivals also inadvertently give him material to use against them during his campaigns, and he does not miss an opportunity to do so.<\/p>\n
The Congress has a good base in Karnataka, and rather than hurling insults at PM Modi, they could have unveiled a vision for the development of the state to gain electoral advantage.<\/p>\n