Karnataka Elections: A Trial by Fire

Abstract

May 13, 2023 was a D day for the state of Karnataka. On this day, it witnessed an unprecedented surge of seats in favour of Congress at 135, heavy depletion for the ruling BJP at 65 and near extinction for JD(S) at 19, which is unlikely to remain one piece while remain out of power for five years. It was an election to beat every election. The much touted BJP had to bite the dust with 12 of its ministers getting defeated. For the opposition Congress, it was an act of revival, a kind of booster dose after remaining in dire straits for long. Ten years of anti-incumbency, coupled with bad administration, poor leadership and change of corruption 'PayCM: 40% Ki Sarkara, led to the undoing of BJP. Neither the cult figure of Prime Minister Modi, nor his carpet booming rallies made any difference. The double engine government failed because the two engines were not in proper alignment and aggressive and abrasive Hindutva proved to be of no consequence for people who wanted good governance, welfarism and greater employment. The BJP lost its last bastion in south India. For Congress, new opportunities opened up and the coming years will be a trial by fire. In a space of barely five months, it has snatched two states from BJP – Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. It has to be seen whether it can maintain a winning streak in the coming elections in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Telangana. That would be its real test.