Read more
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to make a significant impact on the political scene of the region by winning once again. On the other hand, the Congress party is determined to make a comeback with renewed vigour. Unfortunately, the election campaign in Karnataka has seen a decline in constructive public discussions, with the Bajrang Dal issue becoming a contentious topic of heated debate.
On the eve of polling for 224 assembly constituencies in Karnataka, leaders and candidates of various political parties visited temples to seek divine blessings and good fortune. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to deliver a video message appealing to the people of Karnataka for their support in his mission to propel the state to the top spot in the country.
However, the Congress party immediately filed a petition with the Election Commission, alleging that the Prime Minister’s appeal to the voters of Karnataka violated the model code of conduct. He emphasized the Commission’s response to the situation, highlighting the critical test of its ability and willingness to enforce electoral laws.
In his message, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the unprecedented affection received from the state in recent times. He highlighted that this overwhelming support has further strengthened his determination to take Karnataka to the forefront in all fields and make it a leading state of the country.
Will BJP be able to break the 36 year old illusion?
Buoyed by the popularity of Prime Minister Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to break the 38-year-old pattern where Karnataka has never re-elected the incumbent party since 1985. In contrast, the Congress party is looking for a morale-boosting victory to gain momentum and position itself as the leading opposition party for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
With a well-oiled election machinery, the BJP enters the election battle well prepared and ready to face challenges. Prime Minister Modi led a high-impact campaign, characterized by its ferocity and force.
What happened in the 2018 election?
During the 2018 elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party winning 104 seats. The Congress party won 80 seats, while the Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S) secured 37 seats. In addition, one seat each was won by an independent candidate, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Karnataka Pragyavantha Janata Party.
With no party having a clear majority, the Congress and the JD(S) attempted to form an alliance. However, BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa staked claim and formed the government. Unfortunately, the government had to resign just three days before the trust vote as it failed to muster enough support.
Subsequently, the Congress-JD(S) alliance came together to form a new government with HD Kumaraswamy as the chief minister. However, after 14 months, the government faced instability as 17 MLAs, including independents, resigned from the ruling coalition and joined the BJP. This led to the fall of the government, after which the BJP returned to power. After this, in the by-elections held in 2019, the ruling party showed dominance by winning 12 out of 15 seats.
In the outgoing assembly, the BJP has 116 MLAs, followed by Congress with 69, JD(S) with 29, BSP with one, two independents, one Speaker and six vacant seats.
read all latest politics news And karnataka election 2023 update here