Riding on the Hindutva wave and replacing sitting MPs with new candidates, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has succeeded in retaining its strongholds in coastal Karnataka — Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituencies.
Although the victory margins have decreased in all constituencies, a strong organizational network and the Hindutva factor seem to have helped the BJP overcome anti-incumbency sentiment. All three elected MPs will enter the Lok Sabha for the first time.
The Congress appears to have failed in mobilizing its grassroots volunteers and strengthening its organizational networks in these regions. Even the party's guarantee schemes did not seem to significantly influence the election outcomes.
Dakshina Kannada
In Dakshina Kannada, which faced a notable anti-incumbency sentiment, BJP’s Brijesh Chowta defeated Congress’ Padmaraj R. Poojary. Brijesh’s efforts to placate discontented BJP and RSS workers, his focus on the Hindutva factor, development, and local leaders’ efforts to unite various factions within the BJP contributed to his victory with a margin of 1,49,208 votes. In 2019, the BJP had won by a margin of 2,74,621.
Prime Minister Modi held a roadshow in Mangaluru to bolster support for the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi-Chikmagalur candidates, particularly after dissatisfaction with three-time MP Nalin Kumar Kateel’s unfulfilled promises became apparent.
Udupi-Chikmagalur
In Udupi-Chikmagalur, the BJP responded to the 'Go Back, Shobha' campaign by fielding former minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, who won with a margin of 2,59,175 votes against Congress candidate Jayaprakash Hegde. In 2019, the BJP’s margin was 3,49,599 votes. Poojary’s clean image, emphasis on Hindutva politics, the Modi wave, and support from majority communities were likely key factors in his victory.
The BJP appeared to be more effective than the Congress in strategizing to win over the Billavas and Bunts, two major communities in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi-Chikmagalur constituencies. Modi’s gesture of garlanding the statue of social reformer Narayana Guru, revered by the Billava community in Mangaluru, also resonated with voters.
Uttara Kannada
In Uttara Kannada, BJP’s Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri defeated Congress’ Anjali Nimbalkar by 3,37,428 votes. In 2019, the BJP’s victory margin was 4,79,649 votes. Despite local leaders’ demands to field a younger candidate, the party chose the six-time MLA and former state minister. The Modi appeal and Hindutva politics were significant factors, along with the outsider tag of the Congress candidate.
The Congress had won five out of eight Assembly segments in Uttara Kannada in last year’s elections, indicating potential for a competitive race. However, a rally by Modi in Sirsi shifted the momentum in favor of Kageri, who campaigned heavily on Modi's popularity rather than his own track record.
Public discontent
Udupi-based political analyst Rajaram Tallur noted that the reduced victory margins signal public discontent with the BJP. However, the Congress failed to capitalize on this sentiment due to a lack of charismatic leaders, insufficient organizational efforts, and a defeatist attitude regarding their chances in these seats.
Yellapur-based political analyst Sriranga Katti highlighted that Kageri’s reliance on Modi's appeal rather than his own achievements was a decisive factor in Uttara Kannada.
Overall, the BJP's combination of new candidates, a strong organizational framework, and leveraging the Hindutva narrative helped it retain its coastal Karnataka strongholds, while the Congress struggled to make significant inroads.
Comments
..you admin, no need to edit my post, if you dont like then delet it, dont act like maron
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Expecting police dept immediate action and real person and his supporters /sponsors details. Fact ,
this is not any individuals comment Seems like planned sedition. A peace loving ;A Gods Faith percon never come up with such worst comments.
we all know who is ananth kumar
no need to celebrate here, death is death who ever it may be, he is human being who was created by GOD.
Wat dodanna said is correct, but i want to add some points too. There are many chaddi groups which are continuously spreading hatred against one or two religions! I request Mangalore administration to look into all such groups (both side) and ban those groups!! In short i want to see Facebook itself getting banned in Mangalore!! We can leave in peace if this thing gets banned!
No muslim will give bad comment on any dead person. I am sure that bad comments by Mangalore Muslims facebook admin is created by anti nationals to defame Muslims. I am also sure that this face book account is established by same group who are behind creating Indian mujahideen, love jihad etc which are totally false and do not exist in reality. These are only imaginery organisation created by anti Muslims and anti Indians. Police should catch the real admin of Mangalore Muslims facebook account and do not arrest innocents just to fill the blank. Strict action should be taken against the culprits. In the meantime, i extend my heartfelt condolence to the family of deceased Anant Kumar. None should have right to criticise any dead person.
Now in this advanced technology and system it is easy to trace out such culprits. Police department must immediately take action against such person.
If the dept neglect then such incidents will repeat again n again.
Crtisizing and giving bad and communal comments against dead person and against wise rulers are now a days more and more in India.Even some news channels also supporting to such thus.
It is not accepted.
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