The Karnataka Congress is setting its sights on the next Lok Sabha elections, leveraging a strategic partnership between Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the newly appointed Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, BK Hariprasad. The move signals a renewed push to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
Hariprasad's Inaugural Address Targets BJP and RSS
In his first speech as KPCC chief, BK Hariprasad launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, labeling them as 'cowards.' He accused the BJP of fostering instability through religion-based politics. 'They create divisions in society for political gain. Their cowardice is evident in their inability to address real issues,' Hariprasad said, drawing sharp reactions from BJP leaders.
Congress Strategy for the 2027 Lok Sabha Polls
The Congress party is banking on the combined political weight of Shivakumar, a prominent Vokkaliga leader, and Hariprasad, a seasoned Dalit face, to consolidate its vote bank. The party aims to wrest at least 20 of Karnataka's 28 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming general elections. 'Our focus is on grassroots mobilization and highlighting the failures of the BJP government at the Centre,' a senior Congress leader stated.
Reactions from the BJP
BJP state leaders dismissed Hariprasad's remarks as 'baseless allegations.' Party spokesperson G. Madhusudhan said, 'The Congress is desperate after its poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Instead of introspection, they are resorting to name-calling.' The BJP has also accused the Congress of neglecting development in Karnataka.
Shivakumar's Role in the Campaign
DK Shivakumar, known for his organizational skills, is expected to lead the party's election machinery. He has already begun a series of district-wise tours to strengthen the party's presence. 'We will expose the BJP's lies and present our vision for Karnataka's progress,' Shivakumar said during a recent public meeting.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Congress has historically performed well in Karnataka, winning 20 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but slipping to 9 in 2024. The party hopes that the Shivakumar-Hariprasad duo can reverse the trend. Political analysts note that the combination of a Vokkaliga and a Dalit leader could help Congress regain the support of these communities, which have shifted to the BJP in recent years.
