Top party sources involved in strategising for the Assembly polls in the state say the slogan, "the Congress makes you pay more," has become a hit in Karnataka. "We sent flyers to people's homes with prices of vegetables and other essential items, along with the slogan," said a senior office-bearer of the party. The slogan has gained popularity. The fact that price rise is an issue across the country means we may use it in our national campaign as well," he added.
The party appeared cautious after the first phase of polling in Karnataka in which 89 seats went to polls. In the last Assembly election, the BJP had got only nine seats in the area that went to polls on May 10. This time, the party is hoping to get up to 25 seats. "Our assessment is that we will get up to 25 seats, although in slums and minority-dominated areas, the Congress is expected to do better," said the leader. The BJP has higher hopes from the second round of polling in the coastal areas, where it has a strong presence.
The Congress appeared cautious after the first phase of polling. A senior office-bearer of the party said there "may be an underlying sympathy factor for the BJP".
Campaigning in 66 Assembly segments that go to the polls in the second phase on Friday ended today.
