The campaigning for the Karnataka by-elections ended on Sunday, with top leaders from different political parties making their final pitches to voters. Among the prominent leaders who were on the campaign trail on the last day were Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The by-elections are being held in two constituencies in Karnataka, namely Maski and Basavakalyan, following the death of the sitting MLAs. The elections are seen as a crucial test for the ruling BJP, which is hoping to retain its hold on the state.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was among the leaders who campaigned for the BJP in the run-up to the by-elections. Shinde addressed several rallies in the two constituencies, where he appealed to voters to support the BJP.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also campaigned for his party in the run-up to the by-elections. Gandhi addressed several rallies in the two constituencies, where he attacked the BJP and accused the party of failing to deliver on its promises.
The by-elections in Karnataka are being closely watched by political observers, as they are seen as an indicator of the public mood ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for next year. The BJP, which currently holds power in the state, is hoping to use the by-elections as a springboard for the assembly elections.
The Congress, on the other hand, is hoping to make gains in the by-elections and improve its prospects for the assembly elections. The party has been struggling in the state in recent years, and the by-elections are seen as a crucial opportunity for the party to make a comeback.
Overall, the campaigning for the Karnataka by-elections was marked by intense competition between the major political parties. Leaders from different parties addressed several rallies and made their final pitches to voters in the two constituencies.
As the campaigning comes to an end, all eyes will be on the results of the by-elections, which will be announced on May 12. The results will be closely watched by political observers, as they are expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape in the state.