Karnataka Elections: A Crucial Prestige Battle for BJP and PM Modi

The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka represent a critical battleground for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, symbolizing a test of political dominance and prestige. Karnataka holds immense significance for the BJP in southern India, being the only state where the party has previously held power. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address four consecutive rallies in the North Karnataka region, including Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Davanagere, and Ballari on Sunday, April 28.

The first phase of polling was conducted on April 26 in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies out of the total 28 in Karnataka. The remaining 14 seats are slated for polling on May 7, covering districts such as Bagalkot, Belgaum, Bidar, Bijapur, Chikkodi, Davanagere, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Haveri, Ballari, Koppal, Raichur, Shimoga, and Uttara Kannada.

Historically, the BJP has demonstrated exceptional performance in Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, maintaining a strong foothold in the state. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured a resounding victory, winning 25 out of 28 seats, while the Congress managed to secure only one seat.

As the BJP aims to replicate its past success, the Congress is grappling to preserve its political relevance in the state. The consolidation of the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, two influential groups in Karnataka politics, could significantly influence the electoral landscape. While the Lingayat community constitutes the largest population in Karnataka, the Vokkaliga community holds the second position. Notable leaders such as JDS chief HD Deve Gowda and Congress state president DK Shivakumar hail from the Vokkaliga community.

The electoral contest is primarily between the ruling Congress and the BJP-JD(S) alliance, diverging from the triangular contest witnessed in the assembly elections last year. The Congress, buoyed by its victory in the assembly polls, is determined to put up a robust performance in the Lok Sabha elections.

Prominent candidates in the fray include JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy from Mandya, noted cardiologist CN Manjunath from Bangalore Rural on a BJP ticket, scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar from Mysore, and MP DK Suresh of Congress from Bangalore Rural.

The elections are also viewed as a litmus test for state BJP president BY Vijayendra, tasked with maintaining the party’s supremacy in the Lok Sabha polls. Vijayendra’s success in ensuring a BJP sweep is crucial for solidifying his position and countering criticisms regarding his selection for the post.

The ruling Congress is banking on the implementation of its populist five guarantee schemes, while the BJP and JD(S) aim to capitalize on the “Modi factor” to garner support. In the 2019 elections, the BJP made significant gains in Karnataka, securing 25 seats with a notable vote share of 51.2%. This marked a remarkable improvement from previous elections, highlighting the BJP’s growing influence in the state’s political landscape.