Yediyurappa, sons cast their votes

Veteran BJP leader and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa was among the early ones to cast their votes in Karnataka, where polling is underway for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in 14 segments.

Queues were seen at polling booths in most of these Lok Sabha segments in the northern districts of state with voters, mostly senior citizens, morning walkers and joggers lining up to cast their votes early, probably expecting the temperature to rise as the day progresses.

Yediyurappa along with sons — B Y Raghavendra, BJP candidate from Shimoga Lok Sabha segment and B Y Vijayendra, party’s state President — and daughters-in-law cast their vote at Shikaripura in Shivamogga district.

The family offered prayers at a temple before heading to the voting booth.

“Out of 28 Lok Sabha seats, according to me we (BJP) are going to win at least 25 to 26 seats. The atmosphere is very good. Wherever we go people say Modi, Modi, it is going to have its own effect,” Yediyurappa said after voting.

While speaking to reporters here, he said, “We are confident that Raghavendra will win with a margin of over 2.5 lakh votes (in Shimoga). We are confident of winning all 14 seats for which polls have already taken place. Even if there is any difference in the couple of remaining seats we will win 25-26 seats in my opinion. People want to make Narendra Modi Prime Minister once again and Karnataka will have its contribution in the NDA winning more than 400 seats.”

Vijayendra said the BJP had won in 25 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha polls and this time too BJP-JD(S) alliance will retain all those seats and “will set a new record”.