- The Congress attracted maximum applicants per constituency - there are virtual stampede of applicants. The JD(S) the least. - The Congress still attracts maximum defections. The JD(S) none at all. In fact, it looks that the sheep is deserting the JD(S) lock stock and barrel.
In 2004 Lok Sabha elections the BJP won more than half the seats but could not repeat the same performance for the Assembly elections. Among reasons was that in the Lok Sabha, the stature of Vajpayee came into play and not the likes of local politicians.
Besides BJP's image has suffered due to:
a. Fanning Kannadiga-Tamil disunity in the Hoggenakkal issue b. Selling of tickets to the highest bidder, diregarding winnability of candidates c. Bellary mining mafia controlling the party. In fact, why the JD(S) transfer to BJP did not take place was because the JD(S) objected to this mafia accorded cabinet status d. Packing selection list with only Lingayat candidates, reinforing the image that the BJP in Karnataka is a Lingayat party, alienating it from other communities
On basis of these pointers, the Congress seems favorites to win the elections especially with the base of the JD(S) disintegrating. The return of SM Krishna consolidates the Vokkaliga vote bank behind Congress.
There is high possibility of non-Lingayata communities adopting tactical voting against the BJP.There is high possibility of non-Lingayata communities adopting tactical voting against the BJP. These include Vo
RE:RE:Election Pointers
by Suresh Gowda on Apr 18, 2008 08:46 AM Permalink
Congress got satisfied with bronze twice in last 10 years. Once in 1994, JD finished first, BJP second, congress third. In 1996 loksabha election again JD first, BJP second, Congress third. Luckily in 2004 due to hype about Vajpayee in Delhi and Krishna in Bangalore many sure BJP seats in Bangalore and some in other places like Hubli went to congress to make them claim silver medal instead of getting satisfied with bronze again. In 2008 congress is going to reach the state of party in Bihar or UP with BJP being overwhelming winner, BSP making impact, JD(S) retaining around 20 seats and congress struggling to reach half century.
