- 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. These include Vokkaligas, Muslims and linguistic minorities, particularly Tamils, SCs and STs.
RE:Election Pointers
by Raghavendra Prasad on Apr 18, 2008 11:49 PM Permalink
Karnataka people are more politically matured. They voted for Vajpayee and against Sonia Gandhi in 2004 Lok Sabha elections. But in the Assembly elections, some of them voted for S.M.Krishna as they were impressed with his administration.
No matter how big Congress fan you are, the BJP is going to win Karnataka elections with absolute majority just like it did in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Sonia's hand - death for Congress.
RE:Election Pointers
by Suresh Gowda on Apr 19, 2008 05:48 AM Permalink
You are 100 percent Right Raghavendra. When election day was approaching there was sudden hysteria in Bangalore based English language Media which went something like this. Anyway Vajpayee and BJP are coming at Centre. Please donot allow Karnataka to turn to Gujarat when coverage of Post Godhra riots was a cottage industry for English language media. Due to such malicious propaganda BJP lost many sure seats like Basavanagudi, Rajajinagar, Jayanagar, Hubli City etc. Congress would have been pushed to 3rd place and BJP would have been closer to majority. However karnataka people will correct their mistake and will give BJP 2/3 rds majority.
RE:Election Pointers
by Kumar on Apr 19, 2008 07:58 AM Permalink
Its going to be COngress and Sonia all the way. With Krishna back there is no stopping The one and only National Party to capture power. BJP stooges will bite the dust, JD(S) will beat BJP to the second place.
RE:Election Pointers
by Srikanth Sp on Apr 19, 2008 12:29 PM Permalink
Mr AR, You are talking about tactical voting by non-linagyats. Every hate monger thinks that others are so like muslims and christian fundamentalists. It is ur wishful thinking to think that caste hindus are also communal and narrow minded. Analyse the Gujarat results, you will be shocked to know the unity of hindus against Cong and for Modi.
