The third phase of the 2024 General Elections in Karnataka will take place on May 7, with the focus shifting to the North and Central Karnataka regions. This marks a significant shift from the closely fought contests witnessed in South Karnataka’s Vokkaliga-dominated constituencies. The battleground will now move to Mumbai Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka, where Veerashaiva-Lingayats hold a strong political sway. The BJP, heavily reliant on the support of Veerashaiva-Lingayats, currently holds all 14 constituencies in these regions, while the JD(S) has a limited influence outside of a few pockets in Kalyana Karnataka.
Both the Congress and the BJP are claiming victory in the upcoming polls, with each party expressing confidence in winning a significant number of seats. The JD(S), in alliance with the BJP, has also indicated that it expects to perform well. However, internal squabbling within the BJP in some constituencies has raised concerns and could potentially impact the party’s chances.
Similar to the strategies employed in South Karnataka, the parties are expected to focus on caste calculations, Hindutva rhetoric, and promises of development in North Karnataka. The consolidation of Kuruba and Muslim votes will be crucial for the Congress, while the BJP will look to capitalize on the support of Veerashaiva-Lingayats and other backward classes. The drought conditions prevalent in the region could also play a role in influencing the poll outcome.
The outcome of the third phase of elections in Karnataka will have a significant impact on the overall political landscape of the state. With all eyes on the Veerashaiva-Lingayat vote, the results will determine the strength of the BJP’s dominance in North and Central Karnataka and provide insights into the potential for a change in power dynamics.
