Hyderabad: In a dramatic outcome of the 2023 assembly polls in Karnataka, the Congress has gained significant ground in Kittur Karnataka, Central Karnataka and Mysore Karnataka regions, with a mixed performance in other parts of the state. The party's performance is seen as a significant comeback from its 2018 performance, and analysts suggest that it could be a precursor to the 2024 general elections.
In Kittur or north Karnataka, Congress won 33 out of the total 50 seats, while the BJP was relegated to 19 seats. JDS won just one seat. The result was a significant setback for the BJP, which had won 30 out of the 50 seats in the 2018 assembly polls. Congress' performance in Kittur was boosted by its strong showing in rural areas, where the party has traditionally had a stronghold.
Central Karnataka saw Congress make significant gains, winning 19 out of the total 25 seats. The BJP won just 5 seats, while the JDS won one seat. In the 2018 assembly polls, the BJP had won 20 out of the 25 seats in the region. Congress' success in Central Karnataka was seen as a result of the party's outreach to farmers and rural communities, who have been hit hard by the agrarian crisis.
In Mysore Karnataka, Congress won 39 out of the total 61 seats, while the BJP won just 6 seats. The JDS won 14 seats, while others won two seats. This is a significant turnaround from the 2018 assembly polls when Congress had won only 19 seats, while the JDS had won 31 seats. Congress' success in Mysore Karnataka was attributed to the party's focus on healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
Coastal Karnataka saw the BJP winning 13 out of the total 19 seats, while Congress won just 6 seats. The JDS won one seat. In the 2018 assembly polls, the BJP had won 16 out of the 19 seats in the region. While the BJP's performance in Coastal Karnataka was seen as impressive, Congress' decline in the region was seen as a setback.
In Greater Bengaluru, the BJP won 15 out of the total 28 seats, while Congress won 13 seats. The JDS did not open its account in this region. In the 2018 assembly polls, the BJP had won 11 out of the 28 seats in the region, while Congress had won 17 seats. Congress' performance in Greater Bengaluru was seen as impressive, given the city's cosmopolitan nature and diverse demographic.
In Kalyani or Hyderabad Karnataka, Congress won 26 out of the total 41 seats, while the BJP won 10 seats. The JDS won three seats, while others won two seats. In the 2018 assembly polls, the Congress had won 19 seats, while the BJP had won 18 seats.
The Congress' performance in the 2023 assembly polls was attributed to the party's focus on social welfare, agriculture, and healthcare. The party had promised to waive off farmers' loans, increase healthcare spending, and improve infrastructure in rural areas. The BJP's performance, on the other hand, was seen as a result of its focus on national security and governance.
Prominent leaders who won in the 2023 assembly polls include former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (Congress) from Badami constituency, BJP state President Nalin Kumar Kateel from Mangalore North, and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy from Ramanagara.
Also read: Karnataka results: Congress reclaims Chikmagalur after 23 years, repeats Indira Gandhi's 1978 feat
