BUSINESS
Caste Census: Kharge’s outburst against Shivakumar reveals deep divide in Congress
Despite Congress high command’s unstinted backing for a nationwide caste census, the party’s own exercise in Karnataka has been kept under wraps for a long time for fear of backlash from dominant groups like Lingayats and Vokkaligas. Kharge’s criticism of DK Shivakumar mirrors this divide in the party and society
BUSINESS
The Karnataka assembly poll defeat is forcing BJP, JD(S) into a risky alliance
The electoral verdict has triggered an existential crisis for JD(S) and a leadership crisis in the BJP. Congress had tied up with JD(S) for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and was routed. Now BJP isn’t confident heading into the 2024 polls and is hoping the votes JD(S) brings in can help preserve its 26 seat tally of 2019
BUSINESS
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Has a Problem: Budgeting for Congress’s lavish poll sops
Having swayed voters with freebie promises, Siddaramaiah and Congress stare at a narrow fiscal leeway to pay for the generous handouts. It mustn’t be forgotten that such welfare extravaganzas can only be financed by cutting corners elsewhere. Prepare for poorer quality public schools, healthcare and roads
INDIA
Karnataka Elections: Congress has won the state but many pressing governance challenges await it
Karnataka Election: The state's economy is excessively centred on Bengaluru and IT and industry and backward regions have been neglected. Bengaluru needs a big infrastructure upgrade. A focus on climate change and improving school education is long overdue. A packed agenda awaits the next government
POLITICS
It’s raining quota promises in Karnataka: Congress meets BJP’s SC-ST-Lingayat-Vokkaliga outreach by lifting quota cap to 75%
Psyched by BJP’s increased quotas for SCs, STs, Lingayats and Vokkaligas, Siddaramaiah promises a 75% quota ceiling, implying a slightly bigger share for every section. Sadly, this more the merrier approach neglects bettering of government schools that can offer weaker sections better worldly prospects
POLITICS
Karnataka Elections 2023: Corruption is state BJP’s Achilles heel and the party shot itself in the foot
Corruption allegations have stalked the BJP government in Karnataka since 2019 and the party hasn’t quite succeeded in changing this narrative. BJP’s only solace is the magnanimity of the opposition Congress and JD(S), both failing to up the ante despite several scandals
POLITICS
In Karnataka elections, Congress veteran Kharge faces dynasty problems of his own
Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun M Kharge, who has not tasted a single electoral defeat, has won 11 consecutive elections since 1972.
