Call it a coincidence or simply fate, but merely few hours ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates, chief minister Narendra Modi had sworn in six BJP MLAs as the parliamentary secretaries of the state. Unfortunately these new secretaries, who were lucky to get berth in the quasi-ministership, but with polls dates announced, their wings have been clipped owing to the election code of conduct that set in almost immediately after!

After many false starts, a third front comprising eight parties was finally announced on Monday by former PM and JD (S) leader Deve Gowda. The formation is a significant departure from the 2004 elections, which saw a more direct fight between Congress- and BJP-led alliances.

The Left Front, a major constituent of this formation, was with the Congress the last time, as were Gowda, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK. Another major constituent, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), was with the NDA.

Gowda claimed the front was coming together of like-minded parties wanting equidistance from the Congress and the BJP. The fact, however, is the formation is gambling on a hung parliament.

Bjp, congress say they are ready for the battle, have almost finalised probable candidates

“We are absolutely ready for elections,” claimed state party president Siddharth Patel soon after the Election Commission announced the dates for the Lok Sabha elections, on Monday afternoon. The same level of confidence that the chief had exuded, interestingly seems to percolate down to even the party’s rank and file. Conservative estimates in the party claim Congress should be happy if it rakes in six to seven of the 26 seats in the state. However, a major section of workers, buoyed by Rahul Gandhi’s visits, currently feels that getting 13-15 seats too may not be a tall order if the momentum is maintained.

The Election Commission on Monday announced five-phase polling starting April 16 for the 15th Lok Sabha. The model code of conduct comes into effect immediately.

Third Front resurrected Cong will tie up with SP & Mamata nBJP ropes in RLD in UP

With former prime minister and Janata Dal (S) chief HD Deve Gowda announcing the rebirth of the Third Front on Monday, the battle for the 15th Lok Sabha has taken a new turn. A two-horse race has become a faceoff between three patchy alliances, one led by the Congress, the second by the BJP and the third by the Left. The election Commission has announced a five-phase poll starting on April 16 and ending on May 13. Results will pour in from May 16.