The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): The old Mysuru region of South Karnataka, known as the Vokkaliga heartland encompassing several southern districts, is gearing up for a pivotal electoral contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. This area serves as a crucial battleground for the BJP-JD(S) alliance against the ruling Congress, which aims to fortify its recent assembly election victories in the region. Historically, the Congress and JD(S) had partnered in the 2019 Parliamentary elections but secured only a single seat each, while the BJP dominated with 25 of 28 seats. The two seats won by the Congress and JD(S) were from this very region, signaling its strategic significance.
The JD(S), under the leadership of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, now seeks revival and a stronger foothold by aligning with the BJP, eyeing seats like Hassan, Mandya, and Kolar where its influence is pronounced. This alliance faces the challenging task of countering the Congress’s momentum, leveraging the Narendra Modi effect and mutual benefits from their coalition to woo Vokkaliga votes and broader support.
Local dynamics and leadership play a crucial role in this contest. With key political figures such as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress state President and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, along with JD(S) stalwarts Deve Gowda and his son H D Kumaraswamy hailing from this region, their influence is palpable. The synergy and vote transfer between the BJP and JD(S), alongside the Congress’s strategy to capitalize on its governance record and regional leadership, will dictate the electoral outcomes.
Notably, both parties have already announced some candidates, with the Congress re-nominating D K Suresh for Bangalore Rural, and the BJP making notable choices by fielding Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar from Mysore and Dr. C N Manjunath from Bangalore Rural. These selections underscore the high stakes and strategic efforts to appeal to the electorate in South Karnataka.
As the state prepares for the Lok Sabha polls, scheduled in two phases, the dynamics within the old Mysuru region exemplify the complex interplay of regional loyalties, political alliances, and leadership influence that will shape the electoral landscape in this traditionally contested area.