JD(S)-BSP link a tough issue for Congress

Team Udayavani, Feb 15, 2018, 12:19 PM IST

Bengaluru: JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda’s choice to have a electoral union with the Mayawati-led BSP and rope in leaders of the recent third front for the campaign may put a spanner in progress of the Congress, which is endeavouring to merge Ahinda commune in the upcoming Assembly polls.

The Congress strategists are concerned that the tie-up between the JD(S) and the BSP may part Dalit votes, which are said to customarily go to the Congress.

BSP leader and Dalit symbol Mayawati is probably going to address various rallies in the state in the run-up to the elections. The main such rally is planned for Bengaluru on February 17.

Gowda wants to get a large number of his companions from the past Third Front to battle for the JD(S). Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference as of late participated in the JD(S) – sorted out minorities’ rally in Tumakuru. He is additionally attempting to get SP’s Mulayam Singh Yadav to campaign for the gathering, sources in the JD(S) said.

The state Congress led by Siddaramaiah has been endeavouring to pacify Ahinda community (Kannada acronym for minorities, Dalits and in reverse classes), particularly Dalits.

Siddaramaiah has given best need to Ahinda in every budget plans he has displayed as Chief Mnister, doling out a few complimentary gifts. In spite of the fact that the BSP has not possessed the capacity to get a solid footing in the state, it can absolutely play a spoilsport to the extent the Congress is concerned.

The BSP has been challenging Karnataka Assembly surveys since 1994. In 1999, it had won one seat. The party’s vote share ascended from 1.74% of every 2004 to 2.7% in the 2008 polls; however it failed to win any seat in these polls.

Enhanced performance of the BSP is said to be one reason for the Congress possibility to lose in numerous seats by a narrow margin in the 2004 and the 2008 elections. The BSP candidates were runner ups in Hanur and Bidar constituencies. However, in 2013 elections, the party’s vote share diminished to less than 1%.

A senior Congressman said that it is for the first time that Mayawati has held hands with HD Devegowda for the Assembly polls. The BSP will challenge 20 situates according to the seat-sharing agreement with the JD(S). The upcoming elections are relied upon to a nearby challenge between the two national gatherings – Congress and BJP. A majority share of the opinion polls is foreseeing a hung Assembly. Thus, the BSP contesting in 20 seats may affect the Congress’ electoral prospects.