Narendra Modi to campaign in 5 districts in Karnataka

Narendra Modi will campaign in five districts for the Karnataka assembly elections, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said on Saturday, amid speculation on the extent of the Gujarat chief minister's role in the canvassing. 

"The party will utilise Modi's services," Shettar told reporters after the party's foundation day celebrations.   

Modi will campaign in five districts, the chief minister said, without elaborating. There are 30 districts in the state.

There has been speculation that Modi may not like to involve himself deeply in the May 5 assembly polls in Karnataka where the Bharatiya Janata Party is facing an uphill task due to infighting and corruption charges.

The Gujarat chief minister had skipped the BJP's Central Election Committee meeting on Friday that finalised 140 candidates for the Karnataka polls, but party leaders had sought to play it down, explaining he had prior engagements.

Campaigning in Karnataka is not new for Modi, who had canvassed for the party in assembly and Lok Sabha polls in 2008 and 2009 respectively. There has been a huge clamour for Modi's campaign in Karnataka following his elevated status in national politics.

Shettar said the party will release its second list of its candidates either on April 9 or on April 10.

BJP had on Friday had announced candidates for 140 seats of the 225-member assembly that includes one nominated member. The list includes names of Shettar, Deputy Chief Ministers R Ashoka and K S Eshwarappa from their home constituencies.

Asked whether the party would give tickets to three legislators -- who had been in jail due to corruption cases -- Shettar said the party is scrutinising their credentials.