BJP pins hope on poll win in Karnataka to boost chances in Telangana

HYDERABAD: BJP in Telangana is keenly waiting for the Karnataka assembly elections and hopes that a win for the party in the neighbouring state will strengthen the narrative against BRS government here and also bolster its slogan of a double-engine government.
Party national vice-president and Karnataka affairs in-charge DK Aruna is taking stock of feedback from Telangana leaders who are campaigning in the neighbouring state. Sources said Aruna, who hails from erstwhile Mahbubnagar district which shares border with Karnataka, has a better understanding of local politics in the neighbouring state.
Though there is gap between Karnataka election result (May 13) and assembly elections in Telangana (likely in December), the saffron party feels it will give momentum in the campaign.
“We have certainly lost steam after the Munugode by-election. A win in Karnataka, especially after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification as MP, will be a booster dose for us.
Congress is our direct rival there and if they lose, it will be a huge disappointment for Telangana Congress,” a party leader said. The party also feels that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to state on April 8 and his public meeting will lay the ground for an all-out attack against the BRS government.