Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thrown himself into a campaign to win a tight state election this weekend and secure a beachhead in the south, ahead of his own re-election bid next year. Karnataka state, home to India’s Silicon Valley capital of Bengaluru, is the first big state electing an assembly this year to be followed by three others in the final test of popularity before a general election due next May. It has held power before in Karnataka and Modi is addressing rallies to win back the state from the main opposition Congress party and build momentum for the general election. The election is on Saturday and the votes will be counted on May 15 with the result declared that day. “We are going to the people telling them that they have seen both BJP and Congress in power for full terms.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 08, 2018 12:11 UTC