How Congress won Karnataka

By John Cheeran

Now it is certain that Congress will form the government in Karnataka. The party has secured a simple majority in the 223-seat state assembly. Political pundits are, however, quick to point out that Congress has not succeeded in cashing in on circumstances ripe for a massive victory. The verdict is that Congress has nothing to build on from the Karnataka election results. The party has failed to deliver the killer blow.

Is it so simple? Congress fought a very difficult election in the state. Of course, with a BJP chief minister going to jail on corruption charges, and the same influential leader breaking away from the party, splitting the Hindutva votes, it can be argued that Congress should have an intimidating majority in the assembly.

It is true, but only up to a point. B S Yeddyurappa’s KJP split votes that BJP should have garnered naturally. Being a Lingayat leader, a section of votes that bolstered the BJP’s MLA kitty in 2008, Yeddyurappa contesting elections and winning a significant number of seats has hurt the saffron party.

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