Bengaluru: By projecting its Lok Sabha MP B. Sreeramalu as its star campaigner in the Karnataka assembly polls, the BJP hopes to swing pro-tribal voters in its favour as it did in North-Eastern states, say political analysts.
“After tasting historic victories in North-Eastern states like Tripura and Nagaland, BJP is now playing a pro-tribal card to attract tribal votes in Karnataka,” leading political scientist Sandeep Shastri said. “Hence, it is projecting Sreeramulu, a tribal leader belonging to Valmiki Nayak community, as star campaigner in the run up to the assembly election,” he said.
That Sreeramulu, considered close to mining baron G Janaradhana Reddy, has gained in importance became evident with the BJP fielding him from Badami against CM Siddaramaiah, and also asked him to campaign in the region.
