Lingayat is Congress' strategy to stop Yeddyurappa: Amit Shah

MYSORE: Siddaramaiah-led Congress government's recent move to recognise Lingayat as a religion is a strategy to stop Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP from creating a government in Karnataka. 

“This is a strategy to stop Yeddyurappa Ji from becoming Karnataka CM. They (Siddaramaiah government) want to polarise Lingayat votes but the community is aware of it. BJP will make its stance clear after polls,” said Shah.

Shah refused to comment on Lingayat's issue anymore since it will violate the model code of conduct.

He went on to say BJP will deliver the 'biggest shock' in Mysuru, where Shah is currently campaigning. BJP had failed to win seats in the old Mysuru region in the previous election. 

Mysuru, chief minister Siddaramaiah's is home turf. Out of the total 26 seats in the four districts, considered as the Vokkaliga heartland, BJP did not win even a single seat during the 2013 Assembly elections. 

Karnataka elections are scheduled to be held in a single phase on May 12 with the counting of votes on May 15. More than 4.96 crore voters are expected to cast their votes.

As the date for elections approach, both the parties have been involved in heavy mudslinging both on the ground and on the social media. 

The BJP, which is currently in power in 21 states, is trying to expand its saffron wing in the 22nd state. The party's chief ministerial candidate is BS Yeddyurappa. 

Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) is the third party in the fray.