Can Congress-JD(S) stop BJP in North Karnataka?

BENGALURU: The Congress-JD(S) combine is aiming for 20 victories out of the total 28 constituency races in the state. The outcome of this ambitious pursuit will depend on how it fares in

North Karnataka

, where the BJP juggernaut has been consistently winning nine to 11 seats since 2004.


Voters in the region’s 14 constituencies will make their choice on April 23 in the second phase of the elections. Barring Shivamogga and Vijayapura, where JD(S) has fielded its candidates, all other segments will see a direct contest between the BJP and the Congress.

The BJP seeks to win at least 10 of the 14 seats to continue its dominance in the region. In fact, the party’s overall hopes in the state are tied to North Karnataka as it is facing a stiff challenge from the Congress-JD(S) alliance in South Karnataka.

In 2014, the BJP put up a spectacular show in North Karnataka, winning 11 seats. The Congress was restricted to three, while the JD(S) failed to open its account. In the 2018 by-poll, however, the coalition partners pulled one back by winning BJP stronghold Ballari.

Strong support from Lingayats, who make up to 17 to 18 per cent of the population in the region, is the main reason behind the saffron party’s success.

The community is the largest group in 11 out of the 14 constituencies. The Congress lost favour among Lingayats in the 1990s after Rajiv Gandhi dismissed Veerendra Patil from the chief minister’s post and the Janata Dal disintegrated. The BJP gained popularity among them, and its focus on retaining their support is evident from the fact that BS Yeddyurappa is still the undisputed Lingayat leader of the party in Karnataka despite crossing the age of 75. The party’s current policy allows only leaders who are 75 or below to hold party positions.

Despite the Congress’s efforts to woo Lingayats over the past decade, they have been largely loyal to the BJP, with the Modi wave in 2014 cementing the base. However, the partnership with the JD(S) and the by-poll success have boosted the Congress’s chances. The party hopes to enlarge its vote share by consolidating the support of backward classes, Dalits and minorities. In 2014, overall, the BJP won 17 seats, the Congress nine and the JD(S) two.