The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka): Chikkodi parliamentary constituency, historically a Congress bastion, witnessed a shift in political dynamics over the years. Despite Congress securing consecutive victories from 1962 to 1991, subsequent elections saw a decline in its dominance, with only one win in 2014 by a narrow margin. However, buoyed by the triumph in the 2023 Assembly elections, Congress is determined to challenge BJP’s stronghold.
The upcoming electoral battle features Congress newcomer Priyanka Jarkiholi, daughter of Minister Satish Jarkiholi, against BJP’s Annasaheb Jolle. Congress aims to leverage the Ahinda factor, with Satish Jarkiholi’s association, along with the significant Dalit and minority population in the constituency, potentially favoring their cause.
With five MLAs in the constituency, Congress appears strategically positioned. Meanwhile, BJP relies on the Narendra Modi factor and its central government’s accomplishments. However, losing three Assembly seats has raised concerns for BJP, according to observers.
Chikkodi has witnessed 16 general elections since 1957, with Congress emerging victorious 10 times, while BJP secured victory thrice. The political landscape witnessed shifts, notably when Congress stalwart B Shankaranand dominated the seat post-delimitation until Ratnamala Savanur of Janata Dal halted the streak in 1996.
Ramesh Jigajinagi of Lok Shakti further altered the narrative, securing consecutive wins with different parties. The constituency’s transformation into a general seat in 2009 saw a seesaw battle between Congress and BJP, with victories swinging between the two.
The upcoming contest poses a critical test for Congress to translate its Assembly election success into parliamentary gains. Whether Congress can consolidate its recent electoral gains and unseat the incumbent BJP MP remains to be seen as voters prepare to cast their ballots.