In the recently held Karnataka Assembly Elections, the Indian National Congress party defeated the incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Congress won almost 136 seats with 43.6% of votes, crossing the halfway mark. The win was attributed to various factors, including the vehement campaign against corruption allegations, guarantees of dole, consolidation of Muslim votes, and Lingayat backing. The BJP's last-minute attempt to consolidate votes from the Lingayat community did not pay off. Additionally, anti-incumbency played a significant role, as Karnataka has never voted an incumbent party back to power since 1985. Congress's victory in Karnataka, after Himachal Pradesh, will boost the party's morale in reviving its electoral fortunes and strengthen its credentials as the main opposition player against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election

The Congress's attack on the BJP government over corruption allegations with the "40 per cent commission sarkar" barb, coupled with the Adani issue, also struck a chord with the people. The party promised several guarantees during the election campaign, such as 200 units of free power to all households, 10 kg of rice free to every member of a below poverty line (BPL) household, and ₹2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi).

Another key factor was the consolidation of Muslim votes, which accounted for nearly 13% of the electorate and were usually split between the Congress and JD(S), in favor of the Congress. The party promised to restore the four per cent quota for Muslims, which had been scrapped by the BJP government. However, the BJP tried to portray the Congress as being against Lord Hanuman and the sentiments of Hindus by picking up the Congress manifesto's promise of banning the Bajrang Dal. But it did not sway the people in Karnataka, who voted against "misgovernance" and "rejected attempts at polarization and division," according to Congress leaders.

The Lingayats, who account for 17% of Karnataka's population and can potentially swing outcomes in as many as 78 seats, also played a crucial role in the election. Several tall leaders of the BJP are influential people of the Lingayat and Vokkaliga community. Still, the BJP's last-minute attempt to consolidate votes from the Lingayat community did not pay off. According to the latest available data, out of the 78 seats, Congress was leading in 54 seats, while the BJP was ahead in 19.

In summary, the Congress's victory in Karnataka Assembly Elections was due to various factors, including their attack on corruption, promises of dole, consolidation of Muslim votes, Lingayat backing, and anti-incumbency. This victory will boost the Congress's morale and strengthen their position as the main opposition player against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

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