The JD-S had in 2004 capitalised completely on the Vokkaliga votes winning 38 seats in the 89 constituencies. The JD-S has never relied on the urban voter as its stronghold has always been rural Karnataka, especially the Vokkaliga belt, which dominated the first phase of the elections.
The Congress is however expecting a major turn of fortunes and says that it hopes to win at least 45 out of the 89 seats in the first phase. The Congress had managed to win 29 out of the 89 seats in the 2004 poll. S M Krishna, who spoke to reporters earlier on Saturday, said that the Congress is sure of getting a simple majority in this election. He said that the people are likely to favour the Congress as it is fed up of both the JD-S and the BJP.
The JD-S camp too is hopeful of bettering its earlier performance. A senior leader in the party said that they would not like to get into the figures but were happy that the voter turn was high in their stronghold.
BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu told reporters that the Bengaluru vote will be crucial for any party. "Any party winning Bengaluru will win the elections," he said. He also said that his party is confident of getting a majority and the swing seems to be in their favour. The BJP had managed just 16 out of the 89 seats in the previous polls.
The major candidates whose fates will be decided in the first phase include former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, his brother H D Revanna and Congress leader and former deputy chief minister Siddaramaiah.
Photograph: KPN Photos
Photo Caption: Tight security outside polling booths esnured peaceful proceedings.
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