Journalism of Courage
Along with strong Lingayat influence, a large SC/ST population defines the demography of four districts in central Karnataka, which has kept offering rich dividends to the BJP over the last decade and a half. Save for the 2013 Assembly polls — when the BJP was hit by B S Yediyurappa breaking away and forming a splinter group, Karnataka Janata Party — the BJP has bagged the most seats in the region since 2008, powering it to single-largest party in the state.
Central Karnataka comprises a total of 32 constituencies, eight of which are reserved for SC/STs — five for SCs and three for STs. In 2018, the BJP won 21 of the seats, the Congress seven and the JD(S) won 4 (all 4 in Tumakuru district).
Despite a presence in the region, sitting Congress ministers such as T B Jayachandra, H Anjaneya and Kimmane Rathnakar suffered defeat in their constituencies.
With the BJP and Congress largely the main contenders, for the JD(S), since 2008, the seats in Tumakuru district have been its only solace. It has not won a seat in Shivamogga since then, while winning just 1 in Davanagere (in 2013) and Chitradurga (2008) districts.
In the 8 reserved constituencies too, the BJP led from the front in 2018, getting 6 seats, to the Congress’s 2. In 2013, when the BJP got 0 of the 8, the Congress garnered its maximum (4). In 2008, the tally stood at 4 for the BJP, 3 for Cong.
As in Kittur Karnataka — comprising the seven northern districts earlier collectively called Mumbai-Karnataka — the B S Yediyurappa factor plays a key role in the region, thanks to a sizable population of Lingayats in Davanagere and Chitradurga districts. Another leader wielding significant influence is Transport Minister B Sriramulu, who has a large following among the SC/STs of these districts.
While former KPCC president G Parameshwara and senior Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa have some renown, it rarely extends beyond their own constituencies or districts.
As a result, the Congress is striving to draw support from various OBC groups and other communities, as reflected in the large gathering organised to celebrate Siddaramaiah’s 75th birthday at Davanagere — and the more recent mega rally held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the same city as a counter.
During the course of its Pancharatna Yatra, the JD(S) concentrated on Tumakuru district.
The increase in reservation for Lingayats, and changes in internal reservation for SC/ST communities, will have both positive and negative effects for the BJP, due as reflected in the protests these have triggered. While it might be beneficial for the BJP in constituencies where the SC Edgai and SC Balgai communities are sizable in number, the issue will likely be detrimental to the party’s prospects in other regions. This was on display recently when members of the Banjara community pelted stones at the residence of Yediyurappa in Shikaripura, Shivamogga district.
In Karnataka, the SC Edgais consist of 25 less-backward communities among SCs like the Holeyas and enjoy 5.5 per cent of the state’s 17 per cent SC reservation pie, while the SC Balgai consist of most backward communities like the Madigas, enjoying 6 per cent reservation.
The Banjaras and Bhovis enjoy 4.5 per cent of the pie, while the balance 1 per cent reservation is allotted to other SC communities of the state.
