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The BJP is set to exploit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image in Karnataka assembly polls, as the party is planning to have his public meetings in seven different regions ahead of early next year’s state election.

The BJP is conceptualising a high-voltage campaign strategy that will be built around projections of its twin mascots -- Modi and chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

The dates and places of Modi’s public meetings will be worked out on the feedback from the state leadership, a senior party leader aware of electoral strategy stated. The party leaders believe that their electioneering will pick up as Yeddyurappa hits the ground to undertake state-wide Karnataka Nirman yatra that would attempt to go through entire 224 assembly seats.

Without getting into the details, BJP sources stated, that the campaigning would have unique features drawing multiple sources, including social media platforms, to highlight NDA government achievements and expose corrupt state Congress regime. The party sources said unlike other southern states, they are in a better position by having strong local leaders in Ananth Kumar and E Eswarappa, apart from their tallest figure Yeddyurappa.

Claiming that Yeddyurappa’s traction among his powerful community of Lingayats is still strong despite Congress trying to outwit former chief minister, BJP is equally eyeing the Vokkaligas to make up in its weaker regions of South Karnataka. The party would utilise the services of its Vokkaliga leaders such as union minister Sadananda Gowda, former deputy chief minister R Ashok and MP Shobha Karandlaje for massive outreach in their community largely spread over in districts including that of Mysore, Hassan and Mandya.

BJP president Amit Shah had last month visited the Adichunchanigiri Mutt during his three-day long trip of Karnataka. The Mutt which has influence over the Vokkaligas, which constitute about 7 to 12 percent of the population, is linked to Nath sub-tradition of Shaivism in Hindus. UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath is also chief priest of Gorakhnath Mutt.

A BJP leader stated that some of the leaders of the JDS which has hold over sizeable Vokaligas are in touch with them to cross over. The party is also energising its booth level workers. Of the 54,000 booths that are spread over 224 assembly segments, the polls managers have already assigned workers at 44,000 booths. The remaining would be done in next couple of months.