Karnataka Council polls to test BJP-JD(S) alliance, Congress’s strength amid internal differences

The elections to four Karnataka Legislative Council constituencies on Friday (October 23) will test the cohesion of the Opposition BJP-JD(S) alliance and support for the ruling Congress among graduates and teachers against the backdrop of internal differences.

Polling will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. across 17 districts, with counting of votes scheduled for October 27.

The four constituencies going to the polls are South-East Graduates’, West Graduates’, North-East Teachers’ and Bengaluru Teachers’. The BJP has fielded candidates in the first three constituencies, while the JD(S) is contesting the Bengaluru Teachers’ seat as part of the alliance.

The BJP, which currently holds three of the four seats, is seeking to retain its existing strength and help the JD(S) wrest the Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency from the Congress. Puttanna, who switched from the JD(S) to the Congress ahead of the last Assembly elections, is facing A.P. Ranganath of the JD(S). Both candidates belong to the Vokkaliga community.

The contest will test whether BJP voters can be persuaded to support a JD(S) candidate in Bengaluru, just as JD(S) supporters are expected to back BJP nominees in the other three constituencies.

The alliance is aiming to win all four seats and strengthen its position in the 75-member Legislative Council. Its leaders have campaigned extensively, seeking to capitalise on allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement against the Congress government and to challenge Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s influence.

The Congress, meanwhile, is hoping that the early announcement of its candidates and sustained campaigning will help it retain its lone seat and make gains in the other constituencies.

Although the outcome has no impact on the government’s stability, an across-the-board victory for the Opposition alliance could be projected by the BJP and the JD(S) as a verdict against the Congress government.

Individual standing

Leaders across parties point out that elections to graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies are often influenced by candidates’ individual standing, their networks among voters and efforts to enrol eligible voters well in advance of polling.

In the South-East Graduates’ constituency, BJP candidate K.M. Suresh is contesting against Congress nominee Shashi Hulikuntemutt. In the West Graduates’ constituency, sitting BJP MLC S.V. Sankanur is seeking a hat-trick against Congress candidate Mohan Limbikai. In the North-East Teachers’ constituency, BJP candidate Shashil G. Namoshi is pitted against Congress nominee Sharanappa Mattur.

Amid challenges

The Congress campaign has unfolded amid controversy over an alleged sting operation, an alleged scam in the KPSC recruitment process and reported tensions within the party leadership. Despite these challenges, Congress leaders have sought to project unity, party sources said.

Mr. Shivakumar and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president B.K. Hariprasad have campaigned in different constituencies. Ministers and senior leaders have canvassed in different segments.

The poll outcome will also be a test of BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra’s leadership, as party leaders have highlighted alleged corruption and the State government’s handling of public finances during the campaign.

The Congress currently has 38 members in the 75-member Legislative Council. Five seats, to be filled through government nominations, are vacant.