The recently concluded Karnataka Lok Sabha election results have dealt a significant blow to state Congress president and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, particularly in the Vokkaliga heartland of Old Mysuru. Traditionally a stronghold of Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) chief HD Kumaraswamy, this region has not fully embraced Shivakumar’s leadership, marking a setback to his political ambitions. Additionally, his brother DK Suresh, a three-time MP, faced a crushing defeat at the hands of BJP candidate Dr. CN Manjunath, who is also the son-in-law of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. Dr. Manjunath secured a convincing victory with a margin of 2.17 lakh votes, garnering 9.42 lakh votes against Suresh’s 7.25 lakh votes.
The results of the election have raised questions about the effective transfer of votes between JD-S and BJP, anti-incumbency sentiments against Suresh, and Dr. Manjunath’s popularity as a cardiologist who made heart treatment affordable in the state. The combined vote share of BJP and JD-S in 2019 posed a formidable challenge to the Congress-JD-S alliance, leading to Suresh’s diminished lead compared to the previous election. A senior BJP leader attributed the victory to the strategic alliance between JD-S and BJP, coupled with the public’s affinity towards Dr. Manjunath.
Shivakumar, acknowledging the defeat, expressed gratitude towards the people and congratulated the winning candidate. Despite the setback, he remains committed to serving the constituency and upholding the trust placed in him. The election dynamics underscored the intense political rivalry between Shivakumar and the family of HD Deve Gowda, indicating a struggle for control over the Vokkaliga bastions. The Vokkaliga-dominated constituencies predominantly favored the BJP in this election, posing challenges for the Congress party in the region.
As political analysts evaluate the outcome, it is evident that the Vokkaliga community did not align with Shivakumar as anticipated, diverting their support towards the BJP and JD-S. This shift has both symbolic and practical implications for Shivakumar’s future in the region. The election not only signals a loss of political influence for Shivakumar but also underscores the need for strategic recalibration in his political approach moving forward. The results have reshaped the political landscape in Karnataka, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the state’s political ecosystem.
