K'taka polls 2nd phase: Make or break for Yeddyurappa

SECOND PHASE ENDS: The Congress, which fared badly in 2004, seems to have gained lost ground in the region.

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Shimoga (Karnataka): The second and the most crucial phase of Karnataka Assembly polls is over. Sixty-six constituencies in 10 districts went to polls in this phase. For the BJP chief ministerial aspirant, B S Yeddyurappa, this is a make or break election.

He was confident though when he stated: " BJP will come to power. We will win more than 130 seats."

Of the 66 constituencies that went to polls, Shikaripura in Shimoga district was the focus for the battle between former chief ministers S Bangarappa and Yeddyurappa.

Meanwhile, the rival former chief minister, S Bangarappa said, "People can say anything. Cycle (Samajwadi Party's symbol) is ahead."

The battle for Shikaripura was dubbed as the semi-final for Yeddyurappa's Vidhana Soudha dream.

Shikaripura is now being described as the Kurukshetra of Karnataka dream. Two stalwarts of state politics — Bangarappa and Yedyurappa — are fighting for their political survival.

Bellary mining mafia's strength was also put to test in Friday's voting. The BJP has high stakes in this round. The Congress, which fared very badly in 2004, seems to have gained its lost ground in this region. JD(S) is the third player with marginal influence in the region.

The coastal districts of Mangalore, Udupi and Karwar also voted on Friday.

The focus now shifts to the Mumbai-Karnataka region. The third phase is also likely to witness a fierce contest between the Congress and the BJP.