The pressure on KCR is increasing with the announcement of the Karnataka assembly election schedule. KCR, who wants to expand his party's influence in national politics, is being observed keenly in terms of what role his party, BRS, will play in the Karnataka elections. However, with the Telangana assembly elections also coming up this year, some argue that the Karnataka elections will be a test for KCR.
Initially, KCR had expressed his desire to contest in Karnataka and form an alliance with JDS, but no discussions have taken place between the two parties since then. While there are indications that BRS will contest in the border constituencies where Telugus are the majority, it is now being said that KCR has decided to stay away from the Karnataka elections due to lack of time.
KCR is reportedly concerned that if he contests in Karnataka and loses, it will negatively impact the Telangana elections. Instead, it is believed that he will send one or two ministers to campaign on behalf of JDS.
The Karnataka assembly elections are scheduled to be held in early May for 224 assembly constituencies, with polling on May 10 and results declared on May 13. BRS leaders claim that even if they do contest, there is not enough time to campaign and the party may not even be able to recover the deposits. As a result, it appears that BRS will not be participating in the Karnataka elections.
