The BJP's problems are compounded by the fact that it does not have a leader either at the state or central level with an all-Karnataka appeal.
Whatever little good the party has done has been overshadowed by corruption scandals during Yeddyurappa's 2008-2011 tenure, several rebellions and frequent changes of chief ministers.
Shettar is the party's third chief minister. He took over from Gowda last July. Gowda succeeded Yeddyurappa in August 2011 and lasted 11 months.
The party's image has also been battered by the excesses of right-wing Hindu activists, particularly in its coastal Karnataka stronghold.
The most notorious incident was the brutal attack by Sri Rama Sene (Army of Lord Rama) men on a group of women in a pub in Mangalore, the main town along the coast, about 350km from Bangalore, in 2009.
The result was the BJP lost heavily in the ULB polls in the coastal area, despite a vigorous campaign by Gowda and Kateel.
With Yeddyurappa making the BJP's defeat his main goal, the party's problems continue to grow.
