Karnataka political circles are full of speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest from Bangalore South Lok Sabha constituency. This will be his second constituency while his first choice will remain Varanasi. The BJP leaders say this strategy is aimed at getting more attention from voters and for increasing the poll prospects of the BJP in southern states as well. There are 28 Lok Sabha constituencies of which the BJP is presently expecting to win 15 to 16 seats. But if Modi contests from Karnataka, the party is likely to win as many as 22 seats.
Bangalore South is considered the stronghold of the TDP since 1996. Former Union Minister late Ananta Kumar won this constituency for six consecutive times. His wife Tejaswini Ananta Kumar is expected to be given BJP ticket in the present election. However, the party has not announced her name in the first list.
Following this, there is a rumour that Modi may choose this constituency as his second choice. In 2014, Modi won from Varanasi and Vadodara seats. He retained Varanasi. This time, BJP President Amit Shah is contesting direct election from Gandhinagar constituency in Gujarat. The party leadership considered the choice of Bangalore South for Modi keeping in view the present and future electoral prospects of BJP in South India.
