The election results cannot be read as a simple narrative of the BJP’s hold over Karnataka as a “gateway to South India”. Instead, the gains for the Congress are a reflection of growing democratisation and anti-RSS/BJP sentiment in Karnataka. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
From the 2019 elections, which had given 25 out of 28 seats to the BJP and only one to the INC, the current results with gains for the Congress indicate complex political equations and responses. The INC was expected to build on its achievements in the 2023 Assembly elections and send a majority to Parliament. Instead, its gains indicate that its promises of a bounty of populist goodies could not garner enough support. The key reason is its nomination of at least seven new candidates from established political families. These novices were seen as privileged players whose commitment and abilities were questioned not only by voters but also by INC workers. Little wonder that very few of these legacy candidates made it to the victory stand.
Lok Sabha Election Results 2024
To the BJP’s credit, despite facing widespread anti-incumbency, it had consciously denied tickets to rabble rousers such as Anantkumar Hegde, C T Ravi, and B S Yediyurappa. Continuing to support popular leaders, such as Jagadish Shettar, and some old stalwarts, the BJP managed to retain key constituencies. The fact that Shobha Karandlaje, who faced “Go Back, Shobha” slogans in her earlier constituency (Udupi Chikmagalur) but won in Bengaluru North, indicates the consolidation of the BJP vote bank in key urban areas.
The JD(S)’s manipulation and betrayal of its secular credentials yielded mixed results. While Kumaraswamy, a former CM, rode on his Vokkaliga vote bank, the defeat of his nephew, Prajwal Revanna, accused in serial rapes, is a victory for the discerning voters of Hassan constituency. In joining forces with the BJP, the JD(S) has reneged on its moral and political commitment to secularism and Karnataka’s interests. But, it has also lost its credentials as a regional party and its leaders, especially Deve Gowda and his family, have lost their moral and social standing in the state.
But the election results cannot be read as a simple narrative of the BJP’s hold over Karnataka as a “gateway to South India”. Instead, the gains for the Congress are a reflection of growing democratisation and anti-RSS/BJP sentiment in Karnataka. Large swathes of people representing Dalits, farmers, and workers came together to articulate their resistance to the BJP’s divisive agenda. Led by civil society organisations and networks that commendably put together a year-long campaign, voters voiced their grievances against price rise, unemployment and the spread of communalism.
A key factor was also the step-motherly treatment that Karnataka was seen as receiving, especially in allocations of central funds. Women, especially the beneficiaries of the state government’s “guarantees” (free electricity, free bus passes, monthly rations, monthly payments of Rs 2000), were ardent supporters of the INC. Much credit to increasing voter awareness and participation is owed to the Jamaat-e-Islami Karnataka, which worked in all parts of the state to ensure that Muslim voters did not remain outside the fold of this democratic exercise. Articulations of the need to “save the Constitution” and to live by its principles were voiced by many Dalits whose organisations overrode their differences and joined civil society organisations to rescue democracy and Dalit rights. Farmers, who remained fragmented by region, caste and organisations, came together in a show of strength and, encouraged by the brave resistance of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, declared their anti-BJP stand.
The mixed mandate in Karnataka indicates the rollback of the saffron agenda and the emergence of voices for federalism, communal harmony, and shared development. The fact that the INC did not receive another triumphant mandate may help balance its ambitions. Yet, decades of saffronisation in the state is a serious concern that needs to be addressed. Its consolidation in the urban belts, not only in Bengaluru but also in Mysuru and the Dharwad-Hubballi regions indicates upper-caste support for the RSS-BJP. The 2024 contest will be remembered not only as a closely-fought election but as one in which the people fought against forces that sought to divide and spread hate. It has been a time for the emergence of a more aware voter; one who demands a more dignified life and greater accountability from elected representatives.
The writer is a social anthropologist
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