Karnataka sets the stage

From all accounts, the Congress has emerged victorious in the Karnataka Assembly elections, dealing a big blow to the BJP. The Narendra Modi led party has lost the state, leading to a question mark on its ability to romp home in the Lok Sabha elections due in a year’s time. Several factors are responsible for the election results. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP mounted a no holds barred election campaign to emerge victorious but the party rich with resources and money power was not able to overcome the people’s anger over alleged corruption and mismanagement. It appears that the government contractors allegation that they had to pay 40 percent commission to get their bills cleared struck home.
The Congress intelligently kept its campaign focused on local issues rather than national ones. State Congress leaders did not make an open display of their differences, if any, and worked cohesively. National leaders of the party also focused on state affairs during the campaign.
The BJP, on the other hand, depended on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pull their chestnuts out of the fire. Mr Modi campaigned intensely for the BJP, holding several public meetings and road shows for almost two weeks, especially the last few days before the polling.As it turns out, Mr Modi’s carpet bombing of the state did not turn the tide in favour of the BJP.
The Future
The Congress will have to tread with caution and diligence to work upon the gains from the Karnataka victory. Elections are to be held in several other states this year, which will be crucial for both the BJP and the Congress.Its victory in Karnataka will also help the Congress to play an active role in the movement for opposition unity spearheaded by Janata Dal United leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. It is clear that the opposition will have a credible chance to beat the BJP in next year’s general elections only if it unites effectively. The Congress would do well to cooperate with other opposition parties to take on the BJP led by the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah combine.The Karnataka election outcome sets the stage for opposition unity against the BJP. The opposition parties would do well to adopt a realistic approach, with gives and takes, to take on the ruling party.

(Writer is a leading  political analyst)