Bangalore:

As the countdown begins for Sunday's voting in the Karnataka elections, the Congress is wearing a confident look and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping to offset the BS Yeddyurappa factor and hold on to power. High-profile leaders have made their pitch in the last few days of the campaign.

As voters get ready to exercise their will in the 223 constituencies, most pre-poll surveys are giving the Congress an edge.

"We are confident we will come back (to power). There is no doubt. I said this many times even before the elections that we're going to come back," said Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President G Parameshwar. But for all the optimism, the going is not that easy for the Congress. Infighting in the party has gone out of control.

For the ruling BJP too, salvaging its first government in south India has been tough, especially after its poster-boy - former chief minister Yeddyurappa - rebelled, quit the party and formed the Karnataka Janata Party (KJP). "It's an unfortunate thing. If they want to build their party, it's okay. Their aim is to destroy the prospects of the BJP, not come to power," said outgoing Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar.

As voters get ready to exercise their will in the 223 constituencies, most pre-poll surveys are giving the Congress an edge.

In the ongoing battle, the Janata Dal (Secular) is gaining ground in many places. Its state president HD Kumaraswamy, who is seen as an unreliable coalition partner, is eyeing his chances and could be the most-sought-after man when the results are declared on May 8. "National parties depend on regional parties. Even in Delhi, whether the BJP comes to power or the Congress, they have to run the government on the mercy of regional parties," said Kumaraswamy.

source:http://ibnlive.in.com