Congress’s Bengaluru Urban rise took a hit with 2019 desertions, new leaders add spring to BJP steps

The 17 MLAs who defected had gone on to win bypolls on BJP tickets to remain MLAs, taking the party’s tally to 15 from 11 in Bengaluru district. Now, they seem to seem to be giving the BJP a push in Bengaluru city, especially Gopalaiah and Muniratna, who have a strong base in their constituencies.

The Congress’s first list of 124 candidates announced days ago covers 16 of the 24 candidates in the district. The remaining seats include two of the three it lost in 2019.

As per Karnataka BJP sources, the party is likely to field “a few fresh faces as it looks to replace some of its old guard”, and that MLAs who have served as ministers may not be given a ticket.

After losing Gopalaiah, its lone MLA in the area, to the BJP, the JD(S) is expected to focus entirely on its stronghold of the Old Mysuru region.

There is another problem parties are up against in Bengaluru Urban, which has ranked among districts with the lowest polling percentages over the years — 50 per cent in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls; 49.87 per cent in the 2008 Assembly polls; 57.38 per cent in the 2013 Assembly polls; and 54.73 per cent in 2018. In the corresponding polls, the Karnataka average was 64.78 per cent in 2008, 71 per cent in 2013, and 71.91 per cent in 2018.

Looking to address voter apathy in the area. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) chief commissioner and district election Officer Tushar Girinath said Thursday that meetings will be scheduled with resident welfare associations and other groups to encourage participation.