In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP won 22 seats in Karnataka, which was enough to bring it to power. However, in the 2023 assembly elections, the BJP won only 40 out of 122 seats and was forced out of power. There were several reasons for this defeat, including:
- People’s dissatisfaction with the policies of the government led by BJP
- Alliance between Congress and JDS
- BJP’s internal discord
Karnataka:BJP will have to face these challenges to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. Allying with JDS is one way for BJP to deal with these challenges. JDS has around 14% vote share in Karnataka, which is crucial for BJP. Allying with JDS could help the BJP improve its support among Vokkaligas, Lingayats and other communities.
It is also beneficial for JDS to ally with BJP. JDS’s alliance with BJP will help it maintain its presence in Karnataka. JDS hopes that the alliance with BJP will help it win more seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
BJP’s position in Karnataka
BJP had lost in the 2023 assembly elections in Karnataka. However, BJP’s position is still strong in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. There are several reasons for this:
- BJP’s performance in 2014 and 2019: In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP won 22 seats in Karnataka, the highest in the state. In the 2019 elections also, BJP won 25 seats. This clearly shows that BJP is a strong party in Karnataka.
- JDS joining NDA: JDS joining NDA is a big victory for BJP. JDS has about 14% vote share in Karnataka. An alliance with the JDS could help the BJP improve its support among the Vokkaligas, Lingayats and other communities.
- Weak position of Congress: The position of Congress is weak in Karnataka. Congress had only 135 seats in the 2023 assembly elections. Congress will find it difficult to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections also.
