Bengaluru, March 16 -- Following the Election Commission of India's announcement of the 2026 Assembly election schedule, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission (EC) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, alleging that the poll body is functioning under the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to the media, Kharge claimed that the current election schedule appears strategically structured to favour the BJP's preparedness rather than ensuring a level playing field, criticising Prime Minister Modi's campaigning across poll-bound states, accusing him of prioritizing election rallies over pressing national issues.

"It looks like the election commission looks for advice fro...