In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, Karnataka will participate in two voting phases. The second phase will take place on April 26 and will involve constituencies such as Udupi Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikkballapur, and Kolar.
One of the key contests to watch in the second phase is in the Bangalore Rural constituency, where DK Suresh, the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, will face off against CN Majunath, the son-in-law of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and a BJP candidate. The constituency encompasses a mix of rural and urban landscapes, with a diverse electorate that includes a significant Muslim population.
Congress has been dominant in the Bangalore South constituency, represented by DK Suresh since 2013. However, the BJP is looking to make inroads with its candidate, C N Manjunath, who is a renowned cardiologist and is contesting on a BJP ticket. The JD(S) also holds a presence in the region, with its first family having represented the Ramanagara Assembly segment since 2004.
The BJP, traditionally supported by the Vokkaliga community, is now hoping to gain support from the community in Karnataka, which has traditionally been loyal to the JD(S). The outcome of these contests will shape the political landscape of the state.
