Karnataka Congress President D K Shivakumar on Monday acknowledged that the strong performance of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) in the Davangere South bypoll was unexpected and a significant setback for the Congress party. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar stated, 'We did not expect the SDPI to garner so many votes. It is a big setback for us.'
Congress Chief Expresses Surprise Over SDPI Vote Share
Shivakumar's remarks came as the counting of votes for the bypoll, held on May 2, progressed. The SDPI, which has traditionally been a marginal player in Karnataka's electoral landscape, appeared to have made substantial inroads, particularly in minority-dominated pockets of the constituency. The Congress leader admitted that the party's internal assessment had underestimated the SDPI's appeal, leading to a shortfall in its own vote share.
SDPI Alleges Tacit Understanding Between Congress and BJP
Responding to the Congress chief's comments, SDPI state president Abdul Majeed charged that there was a 'tacit understanding' between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to undermine the SDPI's prospects. 'The Congress and BJP have a hidden alliance to keep us out of power. The results show that voters have rejected this collusion,' Majeed claimed at a press conference in Davangere.
Majeed further alleged that the Congress had deliberately fielded a weak candidate to ensure the BJP's victory, a charge that the Congress party has denied. The bypoll was necessitated by the resignation of the sitting Congress MLA, who joined the BJP earlier this year.
Political Implications
The Davangere South bypoll is seen as a crucial test of political strength ahead of the 2028 Karnataka assembly elections. The unexpected surge in SDPI votes has raised questions about the Congress's ability to retain its traditional vote bank, especially among minority communities. Political analysts suggest that the SDPI's performance could alter the electoral arithmetic in several constituencies, forcing both the Congress and the BJP to recalibrate their strategies.
Shivakumar, while acknowledging the setback, reiterated the Congress's commitment to addressing the concerns of all communities. 'We will analyse the results and take corrective measures. The Congress party remains the only secular alternative in Karnataka,' he said.
The final vote count is expected to be announced later today, with the BJP candidate leading in early trends. The bypoll has witnessed a voter turnout of around 68%, with no major incidents reported.
