PM Modi to Address Rallies in Bengaluru and Chikkaballapura Ahead of Karnataka Polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to strengthen his Lok Sabha election campaign in Karnataka with back-to-back public meetings in Bengaluru and Chikkaballapura on April 22. This will be Modi's fourth visit to the state since the announcement of the Lok Sabha poll schedule.

In Chikkaballapura, Modi will deliver a speech at a large rally at Chokkahalli village at 2 pm, covering the Chikkballapur and Kolar Lok Sabha constituencies. The BJP has fielded former state Health Minister Dr. K Sudhakar as its candidate in Chikkballapur. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bengaluru and Chikkaballapura district in Karnataka on April 22 as part of the BJP's Lok Sabha election campaign in the state," a party source said.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister will hold another huge rally at Bengaluru's Palace Ground around 4 pm, encompassing the Bangalore North, South, Central, and Rural segments. The BJP has fielded its sitting MPs Tejasvi Surya and P C Mohan as candidates from Bangalore South and Central respectively, while Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who was moved from Udupi-Chikmagalur, is running from Bangalore North.

Why this matters: Modi's visits to these key constituencies underscore the BJP's determined efforts to consolidate its position in Karnataka. The state is vital for the party's bid to retain power at the Center in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The election in Karnataka is unfolding in two phases, with the southern districts voting on April 26 and the northern districts on May 7. Modi had previously held rallies in Kalaburagi, Shivamogga, and Mysuru, where he shared the stage with JD(S) patriarch H.D. Deve Gowda, highlighting the BJP's alliance with the regional party in certain constituencies. As the campaign intensifies, the Prime Minister's rallies are expected to give a boost to the BJP candidates in these crucial seats.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi to hold rallies in Bengaluru and Chikkaballapura, Karnataka on April 22.
• BJP has fielded candidates in key Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.
• Modi's visits underscore BJP's efforts to consolidate position in Karnataka.
• Karnataka elections to be held in two phases on April 26 and May 7.
• PM's rallies expected to boost BJP candidates in these crucial seats.