Journalism of Courage
Karnataka
Karnataka, a state in the southwestern region of India, has a vibrant and diverse political landscape that reflects its rich cultural heritage and dynamic socio-economic fabric. The state's political profile is characterized by a mix of national and regional parties, with the Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) being the key players. These parties have shaped the state's political and developmental trajectory over the years, with power often oscillating between them.
The INC has a long-standing presence in Karnataka, leveraging its historical legacy and national reach. It has traditionally enjoyed support from various communities across the state, including minorities and backward classes, focusing on welfare schemes, social justice, and secular policies to consolidate its voter base.
The BJP, on the other hand, has made significant inroads in Karnataka, especially in the coastal and northern regions, appealing to the Hindu majority with its nationalist agenda. Karnataka was the first southern state where the BJP formed a government on its own, marking a significant milestone in the party's expansion beyond its traditional strongholds in northern India.
The JD(S), a regional party with a strong base in the southern part of the state, particularly among the Vokkaliga community, plays a crucial role in the state's politics. Often seen as a kingmaker, the JD(S) has been part of both BJP and INC-led governments, highlighting its strategic importance in forming state governments.
Karnataka's politics are also influenced by issues such as water resource management, with disputes over river water sharing with neighboring states being a contentious topic. Additionally, the state's rapid economic growth, especially in the IT sector centered around Bengaluru, has brought issues like urban infrastructure, rural-urban divide, and sustainable development to the forefront of political discourse.
Elections in Karnataka are closely watched, as outcomes here are often seen as indicative of broader national political trends. The state's electorate is known for its discerning nature, making Karnataka's political landscape dynamic and competitive, reflecting the complexities and diversities of its society.
The INC has a long-standing presence in Karnataka, leveraging its historical legacy and national reach. It has traditionally enjoyed support from various communities across the state, including minorities and backward classes, focusing on welfare schemes, social justice, and secular policies to consolidate its voter base.
The BJP, on the other hand, has made significant inroads in Karnataka, especially in the coastal and northern regions, appealing to the Hindu majority with its nationalist agenda. Karnataka was the first southern state where the BJP formed a government on its own, marking a significant milestone in the party's expansion beyond its traditional strongholds in northern India.
The JD(S), a regional party with a strong base in the southern part of the state, particularly among the Vokkaliga community, plays a crucial role in the state's politics. Often seen as a kingmaker, the JD(S) has been part of both BJP and INC-led governments, highlighting its strategic importance in forming state governments.
Karnataka's politics are also influenced by issues such as water resource management, with disputes over river water sharing with neighboring states being a contentious topic. Additionally, the state's rapid economic growth, especially in the IT sector centered around Bengaluru, has brought issues like urban infrastructure, rural-urban divide, and sustainable development to the forefront of political discourse.
Elections in Karnataka are closely watched, as outcomes here are often seen as indicative of broader national political trends. The state's electorate is known for its discerning nature, making Karnataka's political landscape dynamic and competitive, reflecting the complexities and diversities of its society.
KARNATAKA NEWS
Karnataka HC decision to quash KCOCA against MLA Byrathi Basavaraj won’t apply to all organised crime cases: SC
January 20, 2026 3:03 pm
BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj is an accused in the murder of Bengaluru real estate operator Bikla Shiva, who was killed outside his house on July 15 last year.
‘Unbecoming of a government servant, embarrassment’: Senior Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao suspended over inappropriate video
January 20, 2026 9:54 am
After the purported video went viral, IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao said Monday that false information was being circulated about him.
Video allegedly showing Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao in compromising situation with woman sparks row; ‘fake clip’, he says
January 19, 2026 6:33 pm
In 2025, DGP Ramachandra Rao had courted controversy when his stepdaughter and Kannada actor Ranya Rao was arrested in a gold smuggling case.
Minister MB Patil to represent Karnataka at WEF 2026 in Davos after DK Shivakumar opts out; BJP slams ‘misplaced priorities’
January 19, 2026 3:37 pm
DK Shivakumar had called off his Davos trip as the WEF 2026 coincides with the start of the Karnataka legislature’s joint session on Thursday which will see a special discussion against the repeal of MGNREGA.
2 undertrials assault officer at Bengaluru Central Prison days after review panel flags ‘systemic’ issues in jail
January 19, 2026 1:30 pm
As per the FIR, the officer was at the Tower 2 Gate of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru when a group of inmates allegedly attempted to enter the area and created a ruckus.
Lokayukta police trap top Bengaluru Excise officers in ₹80 lakh licence bribery case
January 17, 2026 6:02 pm
According to the complainant, the Excise officials assured him that the bar and microbrewery licences would be cleared once he paid the demanded amount.
Freedom fighter, Congress stalwart Bheemanna Khandre dies at age of 100, Karnataka CM to attend funeral
January 17, 2026 5:12 pm
Bheemanna Khandre served as Karnataka transport minister for 2 years during 1992-94. He was the father of Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and the grandfather of MP Sagar Khandre.
Banned kite string kills motorcyclist in Karnataka's Bidar, police step up patrolling
January 16, 2026 1:14 pm
Following the incident in Karnataka's Bidar, residents and relatives of the deceased staged a protest, demanding strict action against the use and sale of Chinese manja.
4 petitions in 3 months: Karnataka now urges Centre to address Bengal gram ‘price collapse’
January 15, 2026 8:06 pm
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says ‘farmers are being forced to sell their produce at Rs 800-Rs 1,200 per quintal below MSP.’
Karnataka Congress leader Rajeev Gowda under fire for 'threatening' woman municipal commissioner
January 15, 2026 7:07 am
Tension gripped Shidlaghatta as municipal council employees staged a protest against Rajeev Gowda after an audio clip purportedly captured threats by the Congress leader against municipal commissioner Amrutha Gowda.
KARNATAKA PHOTOS
Oppn forms INDIA alliance to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 polls
July 19, 2023 3:58 pm
The meeting in Bengaluru where 26 Opposition parties participated came to an end on Tuesday.
Karnataka Elections 2023: Celebrations rage across cities as Congress wins
May 13, 2023 2:30 pm
KCET 2022 Mock Seat Allotment Result Declared: Websites to check list
October 27, 2022 5:07 pm
KCET 2022: Mock allotment result was announced on October 21, candidates could change their preference from October 21 to 26.
Bharat Jodo Yatra: Slain journalist Gauri Lankesh's mother and sister walk with Rahul Gandhi
October 07, 2022 9:24 pm
Indira and Kavita Lankesh joined the foot march at Bhuvanahalli village of Nagamangala taluk in Karnataka.
Mysuru is decked up for Dasara festivities. See pics
October 05, 2022 12:09 pm
Mysuru Dasara festival is celebrated over 10 days starting with Navratri and on the 10th day (Vijaya Dashami), the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in a grand procession.
World Tourism Day: Check out these black and white pictures of popular tourist haunts in Karnataka
September 27, 2022 12:35 pm
How many of these places have you visited?
Tourists witness the remarkable blooming of Neelakurinji flowers in Chikmagalur that happens once in 12 years
September 26, 2022 6:20 pm
The Western Ghat is covered with purple-blue Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years and look spectacular in the sunlight!
Once every 12 years, Neelakurinji flowers bloom in Karnataka
September 26, 2022 2:34 pm
The Neelakurinji flowers bloom once every 12 years. However, blooming seasons have become unpredictable over the years due to changing weather patterns.
Bengaluru's Lal Bagh blossoms as Independence Day nears
August 11, 2022 3:55 pm
In Bengaluru, Lal Bagh's famous flower show is back after a two-year hiatus. Here's a glimpse into the event at the city's botanical garden.
KARNATAKA VIDEOS
Kannur International Airport Set to Take Flight
June 22, 2020 6:08 pm
Kannur International Airport (KIAL), the fourth in Kerala, will be dedicated to the nation on December 9. The airport will offer better access to travellers from north Kerala and parts of Karnataka like Coorg.
RSS to ABVP to BJP, Ananth Kumar stayed relevant from Vajpayee’s party to Modi’s cabinet
June 22, 2020 6:11 pm
Ananth Kumar passed away on Monday morning due to pancreatic cancer. Through the years, he has managed to be one of the men that found a place in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet in NDA-I to NDA-II under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
I-T Department Raids Karnataka Energy Minister's Residence
June 22, 2020 6:57 pm
Man throws paper bag at Karnataka CM protesting caste bias
February 21, 2016 2:09 pm
Bengaluru, Feb 21 (ANI): A man threw a paper bag at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a function at Ravindra Kalakshetra, protesting caste bias on Sunday. The man was arrested immediately after the incident. The security officials present at the spot found that the paper bag was filled with chocolates.
Belgaum: One dead, several injured in LPG cylinder blast
February 16, 2016 4:12 pm
Karnataka, Feb 16 (ANI): At least one person was killed and several others injured after a LPG cylinder went off in Belgaum district of Karnataka on Tuesday. Fire tenders have rushed to the spot to douse the flame.
Mysuru is India's cleanest city
February 15, 2016 1:38 pm
New Delhi, Feb 15 (ANI): Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu announced top ten cities in the order of merit as per the Swachh Sarvekshan commissioned across 75 cities. This is to promote a healthy spirit of competition among the cities. He announced Mysore, Karnataka, as the cleanest city in the country and the other nine cities were Chandigarh, Tiruchirapalli, New Delhi Municipal Council, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Rajkot, Gangtok, Pimpri Chindwad, and Greater Mumbai. Cities with over 10 lakh population were surveyed to check how clean or filthy they were. The Swachh Sarvekshan website has been launched.
Last rites of Hanamanthappa performed with full state honours
February 12, 2016 9:26 am
Dharwad, Feb 12 (ANI): Last rites of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who passed away on Thursday morning, were performed with full state honours, including a 21-gun salute, in his hometown Dharwad of Karnataka on Friday. Hanamanthappa was rescued alive from under 35 feet of snow six days after his post in Siachen was hit by a glacier.
Tributes paid to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa in Hubli
February 12, 2016 5:40 am
Hubli (Karnataka), Feb 12 (ANI): People paid their last respects to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa at the Nehru stadium in Hubli district of Karnataka on Friday. The mortal remains of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa have been kept for public viewing. The last rites of Hanamanthappa will be performed in his home town Dharwad in Karnataka later in the day.
The Attack On Tanzanian Woman Had An Element of Racism & Mob Justice: Envoy
February 07, 2016 3:41 pm
Speaking on the attack of a Tanzanian woman, Karnataka home minister read out the woman's complaint, saying nowhere does it mention that she was stripped and paraded naked.
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