Karnataka Lok Sabha election 2024: BJP - Past performance, key issues, challenges and more

Karnataka lok sabha election, 2024

The Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, scheduled for April 26 and May 7, are of great importance to the ruling Congress party and the opposition alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS).

Karnataka is a crucial battleground for the BJP as they seek to expand their influence in South India, where they have traditionally been less dominant. The party aims to build on its strong performance in the previous Lok Sabha elections, winning 25 of the state's 28 seats. Anything less than this would be seen as a setback. Achieving a similar or better result is crucial for the BJP to strengthen its position in the state and challenge the current Congress-led government.

The BJP's alliance with the JD(S), formalized in September of the previous year, involves the JD(S) contesting in three constituencies, leaving the remaining 25 for the BJP. This significant partnership aims to consolidate the BJP's foothold in a region facing stiff competition. The alliance is strategically important as it seeks to tap into the JD(S)'s strong local influence in parts of Karnataka, especially given the JD(S)'s lacklustre performance in the last Assembly elections.

The BJP and JD(S) collaboration is designed to merge their respective voter bases, critical in constituencies expected to see closely contested battles. However, this alliance has faced challenges, including concerns about the seamless transfer of votes between two parties with distinct political bases. Additionally, the JD(S)'s shift from a secular stance to partner with the BJP has been controversial and may alienate some of its traditional supporters.

Social engineering tactics underpin this strategic alliance between the BJP and JD(S). The BJP targets key caste groups like the Lingayats and Vokkaligas to bolster its electoral prospects. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued popularity and the recent consecration of the Ayodhya Ram temple, the BJP is optimistic about replicating its previous electoral success in Karnataka.