This refers to the editorial, “A lot at stake” (March 29). It will be a no-holds-barred election in Karnataka. Though it has been a mixed bag for the BJP in the last few months, the party should hope to cash-in on the anti-incumbency in Karnataka. The Congress is yet to prove that it has recovered from the 2104 humiliation and the possibility of a Third Front is looming large on the horizon. Undoubtedly, the above factors have spiced up the Karnataka elections. The ramifications of the Karnataka poll outcome will be felt in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh — all BJP ruled States — where elections are scheduled next. So, BJP chief Amit Shah will leave no stone unturned to regain Karnataka. In the last three decades, no incumbent Government has been returned to power in Karnataka which is bound to worry the Congress. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is literally leading the Congress’ campaign though Rahul Gandhi is sought to be projected as a star attraction. The religious minority tag to the lingayats, who constitute 17 per cent of the State’s population, may act as a double-edged sword for Siddaramaiah. The BJP may have to focus on the positives of the Modi Government and point out to the voters the abject corruption and lack of developmental programmes during the Siddaramaiah regime.