New Delhi: According to a recent survey by the Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), Congress leader Siddaramaiah is the top choice for the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
However, incumbent Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP ranks second in popu larity. The survey, which aims to capture public sentiment ahead of the May 10 state election, also revealed that younger voters prefer Mr. Bommai while older voters lean towards Mr. Siddaramaiah.
Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader HD Kumaraswamy and Congress’s DK Shivakumar round out the top four contenders, while the BJP’s former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa surprisingly ranks at number five. Despite not contesting in the upcoming election and denying any interest in the top job, Mr. Yediyurappa’s low ranking raises eyebrows given his four previous stints as Chief Minister.
Overall, the survey suggests that while the chief minister candidate may play a role in influencing voters, party and candidate qualities such as corruption, nepotism, and factionalism are more significant factors. As the state election approaches, it remains to be seen how these findings will impact voter behavior and, ultimately, the election outcome.
Along with that, Congress also revealed their manifesto for the Karnataka Polls saying that they’ll offer free grains, cash transfer, and electricity to the citizens if they win the elections. They named their manifesto as Sarva Janangada Shanthiya Thota which means Peaceful garden for all communities.