BJP putting plan in place to woo non-Kannadiga voters

Given the cosmopolitan composition of Karnataka's electoral base, the BJP is looking at using its organisational machinery from neighbouring states to woo non-Kannada speaking voters.

Nearly 100 of the total 22 Assembly seats in the state fall under 16 districts, which share borders with neighbouring states. The linguistic minority votes play a significant role on polls result in these constituencies and Bengaluru city.

On Monday, BJP national general secretary (Organisation) Ramlal held a meeting with party functionaries from Karnataka and the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa and Tamil Nadu to work out a strategy to woo non-Kannada speaking voters. BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa and general secretaries of the state unit were present.

According to sources, more meetings have been lined-up in the coming days to use the party's organisational machinery from the neighbouring states during the run-up to the polls in Karnataka. Local issues affecting the voters, basic amenities, issues related to their identity among others will be tapped. There will be different approach to different regions and star campaigners and film stars from neighbouring states are likely to invited to campaign in the state.

The Tamil population in Bengaluru is a significant vote-bank and the party is putting in place a separate strategy to woo them, the sources added

Meanwhile, the party is also making preparations for BJP national president Amit Shah's three-day visit to coastal Karnataka from February 18. Shah will tour Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts.