Can Modi tilt scales?

Nearly 700 km away from Bengaluru, Bidar is the farthest place from Karnataka capital, also known as the City of Gardens. That may be the reason why, some say, development has not reached this historic town, known for its famous Bidar fort built by Bahmani Sultanate in 15th century.

But Bidar, which was under Nizams fold till Independence, had never lagged behind in palace intrigues and political significance. Mir Sa'id Muhammad Khan, the third son of Asaf Jahi I (the first Nizam), who ruled from this sprawling fort with mosques and monuments, was imprisoned there and later killed in 1763 by his brother Mir Nizam Ali Khan, the second Nizam.

Incidentally, Prime Minister and BJP star campaigner Narendra Modi wound up his whirlwind election tour of Karnataka by addressing his last meeting at Bidar's Nehru Stadium on May 9. Modi was to initially address 15 meetings in the poll-bound state, but the number was increased to 21 as the saffron party wanted to milk maximum mileage out of his charisma. The impressive gathering at Bidar meeting was a testimony to the feeling that Modi's entry into Karnataka had changed electoral game completely. A local scribe said the ground could accommodate 60,000 people.

"My complaint karnachatha hu. Karu? Bura to nahimanogena? Lekin merisikhayathwajibhai. 2014 Lok Sabha chunavtha... my kud mere liya vote mangnekeliyeaayatha. Lekin us sabha me isseadha log bi nahi aye the? (I have a complaint to make. Can I? Hope you won't take it as an affront? But my complaint is reasonable. It was 2014 Lok Sabha elections. I came here to ask for votes for myself. The gathering then was not even half of what I see here today.

Why?" he asked people in his characteristic style, setting tone for his hour-long speech dotted with jibes at Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi, BJPs plans for Karnataka's development and how Bidar was neglected. The continuous chant of 'Modi...Modi' from the crowd reveals how effective orator the Gujarati strongman is.

Even people on street say that Modi's presence has made a big difference in Karnataka. "In the beginning, it looked like a tough fight between Congress and BJP. Everything changed in matter of a week after Modi started addressing meetings. BJP has gained more ground now," says Ravi, owner of anUdipi hotel near Bidar bus stand.

Even in Bidar, part of Hyderabad-Karnataka region, where Muslims are in significant numbers, BJP seems to be giving a tough fight. "Both Congress and BJP candidates are battling it out here. It's very difficult to predict a winner now. Muslims and Hindus live like brothers here, but politicians create a wedge between them for political gains," says Mohammed Rahim, a juice vendor at the historic Bidar fort.

But in Karnataka, it's not one-to-one contest, though BJP and Congress dominate the political discourse in many places. In 2013 elections, Congress emerged as winner with 122 seats in 224-seat Assembly followed by 40 seats each for BJP and Deve Gowda-led JD(S). This time also, JD (S) is a force to reckon with, resulting in a three-cornered contest at many places.

"BJP leaders sirafbashandetahai. Ushebinakuchnahikarta (BJP leaders are good at delivering speeches. They can't do anything expect that). This time, JD (S) will play crucial role in the outcome and also in the government," feels Mohan, a shop owner at Vijayapura, also known as Bijapur. The city of 3.26 lakh people is the headquarters of Bijapur district located in Mumbai-Karnataka region.

The growing influence of BJP is nowhere more clearly visible anywhere than in Badami in Baghalkot district, from where Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is contesting. He is in fray from two constituencies this time – from Chamundeshwari in Mysore where he won last time, and Badami which has been a Congress stronghold all along. To checkmate him in Badami, BJP roped in mining baron and Bellary MP Sriramulu, dubbed by many as the 'rising star of Kannada politics.'

"Baghalkot district is a Congress stronghold. But Badami seems to be going the BJP way given the growing influence of Sriramulu," says Hanumantappa, a mason from Lokapur village near Badami. Given the importance of Badami outcome, BJP national president Amit Shah and BJP chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa held their last roadshow in Badami in support of Sriramulu. Response to the road show floored the BJP chief and he couldn't hide his glee.