The Karnataka Election Analysis

The Karnataka Election Analysis​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 22nd May 2018

One of the key issues with the post-electoral drama is that it helps the Netas to lose any foresight that might have set in. The cut-throat political competition seems to have ensured the same. Instead of questions to some Netas for the reason of loss in the electoral gambit, things snow-balled into power-grab tactics. Lo and behold, the Netas as well as the commercial news media was glued upon ‘who’ is forming the government and the ‘musical chairs’ amongst the chiefministerial probable. Now, that we seem to have some Neta with a seemingly ‘probabilistic’ majority, so the focus is on ‘who’ will grab which ministry. The gambit ‘catches’ complete attention for the ‘know all’ journos of the ‘commercial news media’ and their earnest expectations is that even the ‘masses’ would be glued upon this in the same manner. After all, it the outcome of their voting pattern and so they own this, isn’t it…

There is a larger trend and this seems to get totally ignored by the commercial news media which either fears reading into it or doesn’t want to read this. This is about the key electoral themes of ‘caste’ as well as ‘religion’. Both the themes seem to be slipping and firmly on a losing strip. So much so that some of these sections may want to brand the smaller alternative as their own ‘alter ego’ and catapult the same to power, readily taking up a minority role. Yes, some level of branding and smearing may go along the way including some levers in policy making as well as the maintenance of ‘old political connections’ that’s usual behind the power-grab story/motivations. Then we may also witness attempts to keep such Netas and parties boxed and confined into some narrow by-lanes of Karnataka just as this happens to independent Netas be they hail from Bihar or Andhra or for that matter UP, Maharashtra or other states and collaborating with either of the ‘National Parties’. In fact, the fate of the ‘Never say die’ Netas of the Newbie party which didn’t fall into the collaboration trap, hasn’t been different.

What is also true is that nearly all potential alternatives are marred with ‘individualism’. The trait while on one hand helps to maintain a strong alternative identity, however forces the key Netas to be always looking to hold on to power as a means to keep reiterating the ‘individualistic alternative trait’ to never be lost in public memory. Also, such individualistic trait is often unable to counter all the narratives as well as invectives hurled from different corners in politics and is susceptible to get smeared. Then there is also this tendency to make compromises including some difficult ones, in order to stay in power. This curtails the ability of the Netas to collaborate with other potential alternatives effectively and gives rise to mutual suspicions. The Karnataka results while on one hand ensures the rise of a third alternative in the state, however at the Central level, it ensures that there is at least one potential contender less for the PM’s race and a party less in any potential third front or alternative at the national level. This so, even when some of the key political themes like ‘caste-groupings’ or ‘religion based conglomerations’ are either getting decimated or on decline. While there might be talk of a national level alternative, however we continue to witness this getting spooked, that too without any discussions or without even much deliberations at the political high level. At least that’s what it seems like from the results in Karnataka and its immediate narrative and fallout. Let the ‘Game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The Karnataka Election Analysis offers a comprehensive overview of the political landscape, voter behavior, and strategic moves that shaped the outcome of the 2023 state assembly elections. Karnataka, known for its vibrant democracy and competitive political environment, saw a closely contested battle between the Indian National Congress (INC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)). The election results not only reflect the immediate preferences of the electorate but also provide insights into the broader political trends and sentiments in the state. Key issues such as economic development, job creation, and infrastructure improvements played significant roles in influencing voter decisions. Additionally, the campaign strategies, including the use of social media and ground-level mobilization, were crucial in engaging the diverse electorate of Karnataka. The performance of incumbent Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and the Opposition Leader DK Shivakumar were closely scrutinized, with their leadership and governance records being pivotal factors in the election. The analysis also delves into the demographics and regional variations that contributed to the final tally, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each party in different parts of the state. Ultimately, the Karnataka elections serve as a bellwether for national politics, given the state's strategic importance and the strong presence of multiple national parties.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The Karnataka Election Analysis​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 22nd May 2018

One of the key issues with the post-electoral drama is that it helps the Netas to lose any foresight that might have set in. The cut-throat political competition seems to have ensured the same. Instead of questions to some Netas for the reason of loss in the electoral gambit, things snow-balled into power-grab tactics. Lo and behold, the Netas as well as the commercial news media was glued upon ‘who’ is forming the government and the ‘musical chairs’ amongst the chiefministerial probable. Now, that we seem to have some Neta with a seemingly ‘probabilistic’ majority, so the focus is on ‘who’ will grab which ministry. The gambit ‘catches’ complete attention for the ‘know all’ journos of the ‘commercial news media’ and their earnest expectations is that even the ‘masses’ would be glued upon this in the same manner. After all, it the outcome of their voting pattern and so they own this, isn’t it…

There is a larger trend and this seems to get totally ignored by the commercial news media which either fears reading into it or doesn’t want to read this. This is about the key electoral themes of ‘caste’ as well as ‘religion’. Both the themes seem to be slipping and firmly on a losing strip. So much so that some of these sections may want to brand the smaller alternative as their own ‘alter ego’ and catapult the same to power, readily taking up a minority role. Yes, some level of branding and smearing may go along the way including some levers in policy making as well as the maintenance of ‘old political connections’ that’s usual behind the power-grab story/motivations. Then we may also witness attempts to keep such Netas and parties boxed and confined into some narrow by-lanes of Karnataka just as this happens to independent Netas be they hail from Bihar or Andhra or for that matter UP, Maharashtra or other states and collaborating with either of the ‘National Parties’. In fact, the fate of the ‘Never say die’ Netas of the Newbie party which didn’t fall into the collaboration trap, hasn’t been different.

What is also true is that nearly all potential alternatives are marred with ‘individualism’. The trait while on one hand helps to maintain a strong alternative identity, however forces the key Netas to be always looking to hold on to power as a means to keep reiterating the ‘individualistic alternative trait’ to never be lost in public memory. Also, such individualistic trait is often unable to counter all the narratives as well as invectives hurled from different corners in politics and is susceptible to get smeared. Then there is also this tendency to make compromises including some difficult ones, in order to stay in power. This curtails the ability of the Netas to collaborate with other potential alternatives effectively and gives rise to mutual suspicions. The Karnataka results while on one hand ensures the rise of a third alternative in the state, however at the Central level, it ensures that there is at least one potential contender less for the PM’s race and a party less in any potential third front or alternative at the national level. This so, even when some of the key political themes like ‘caste-groupings’ or ‘religion based conglomerations’ are either getting decimated or on decline. While there might be talk of a national level alternative, however we continue to witness this getting spooked, that too without any discussions or without even much deliberations at the political high level. At least that’s what it seems like from the results in Karnataka and its immediate narrative and fallout. Let the ‘Game’ evolve…

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