The BJP has distinctly identified itself as a Lingayat party. It is pinning hopes on the sympathy factor of being ditched by the JD-S to bring it to power. It is also relying on its performance in the coalition with the JD-S as a key vote puller. But there is no strong wave in its favor. The BJP has projected B.S. Yeddyurappa, a Lingayat, as the CM.

The JD-S is down but not out and is expected to garner at least a dozen seats to be in a position for H.D. Devegowda to play a few power games with Independents and others

REGION WISE BATTLES

South The battle is essentially between the Congress and the JDS. It is the Vokkaliga heartland and both S.M. Krishna and Devegowda will be toiling for votes. The Congress is not expected to directly attack the Gowdas or the JD-S in poll campaigns in this region for fear of alienating the Vokkaligas. The JD-S clinched over 60 per cent of the seats in the region the last time around and the Congress is expected to turn that around this time. 28 constituencies in the Bangalore urban region are expected to witness a direct Congress-BJP fight.

Centre The fight is likely to be more three pronged while the coastal districts that has been dominated by the BJP in recent times is expected to see a more even BJP-Congress battle. The Congress is relying on the consolidation of minority votes that was earlier divided with the JDS to win seats here.

... contd.