THE BYPOLL WINS IN KARNATAKA WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE CONGRESS GOVERNMENT!

• For the top Bharatiya Janata Party leadership, breaking into South India appears to be increasingly challenging going by the look of things being played out of late. Recollect how the saffron brigade made its presence felt in the last few years in Karnataka through some smart moves, diligence, hard work, and of course, social engineering that are crucial to establishing footprints. The BJP did everything under its command to leave no stone unturned in Karnataka by pushing against the well-established political order in the form of the Grand Old Party and the Janata Dal (Secular). However, the BJP leadership would not be too happy with the way the party is finding it hard to reestablish its hold courtesy of certain unyielding moves.

 PC:Hindustan Times

• Remember, during the Covid times, the BJP was in power. As the economic downturn took a toll on the country, Karnataka too was not spared from the counterproductive effects of the lockdowns and shutdowns. On top of it, the BJP was also mired in one controversy after another where the allegations of corruption charges flew thick and fast. So much so that the Congress, which was grappling with its own internal strife, was provided with a handle to not only hold on to the respite but also beat the BJP quite convincingly. The resultant outcome was the resounding triumph in the state assembly elections with the Congress winning with a handsome majority and some more to boot. The BJP could not win over the electorate for several reasons, including internal dissent.

PC:NDTV

• The Indian citizens are familiar by now about the corruption part singeing the country at every level of governance/administration. The Congress too was in the limelight with no less than the Chief Minister himself at the center of corruption allegations viz. Mysore Urban Development Authority’s allotment of sites to his wife. This was preceded by Valmiki Corporation swindling allegations and followed by the controversy surrounding Wakf property notifications. The BJP had every opportunity at its command to corner the ruling dispensation to go for the jugular. Thus, the three by-polls in the state were expected to be a referendum of sorts for the ruling party. On the other hand, the BJP hoped to cash in on the allegations to win at least two of the three seats.

 PC:The Indian Express

Now, what transpired in the by-polls must be disheartening for the BJP satraps as all three seats were convincingly won by Congress despite mounting electoral campaign blitzkrieg. Especially, the alliance of BJP and JD(S) failing to convince the traditional voters of vokkaliga bastion in Chennapatna must come as a shocker. The defeat of ex-CM’s son in Shiggaon is also considered a setback for the BJP. The BJP is also witnessing dissension as some senior leaders are not inclined to accept the incumbent state chief. The BJP leadership must address these issues expeditiously since the gains made in southern India will be frittered away in no time in the absence of setting the Karnataka house in order. Brace up for some action on this front sooner than later.