Heat & dust of electioneering settles in poll-bound Karnataka

Loudspeakers went silent and the heat and dust generated by intense campaigning settled as Karnataka readied for high-stakes Assembly elections.
Campaigning for the May five polls ended at 5 pm today.
Polling will take place in 223 segments, with the one in Piriyapatna put off to May 28 following the death of BJP candidate.
Police and the Election Commission have made elaborate arrangements for peaceful and smooth conduct of polls.
The electioneering saw vigorous and, at times, bitter canvassing, particularly by the ruling BJP and the Congress as national leaders of the two parties accused each other of indulging in corruption.

And on occasions, it became a slug-fest between BJP's star campaigner Narendra Modi and Congress leaders as Gujarat Chief Minister sought to target their party leadership -- Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress tried to put the focus on mining scam and internal fights of the BJP which sought to highlight the development works carried out during its tenure despite "small turbulence" during the period.
BJP has been jolted by breakaway parties -- Karnataka Janatha Paksha of its former strongman B S Yeddyurappa and to some extent BSR Congress of former Minister B Sriramulu. In addition, anti-incumbency factor is also weighing heavily on the minds of BJP leaders.

KJP is certain to dent BJP's prospects in parts of the State.
JDS of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had also put up an aggressive campaigning seeking to spread its influence beyond its traditional stronghold of old Mysore region.
In the 2008 elections, BJP secured 110 seats, three short of majority, and went on to form the government with the help of five independents who were made Ministers. The Congress bagged 80 seats and the JDS 28.