Congress’s Shreyas Patel scripts history, ending JD(S) dominance in the Hassan Lok Sabha seat after 25 years

Congress candidate Shreyas M. Patel has emerged victorious in the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency of Karnataka, defeating Janata Dal (Secular) candidate Prajwal Revanna. This marks the first time in 25 years that the JD(S) has lost its hold on the Hassan seat. Patel secured a decisive victory margin of 42,649 votes, garnering 6,72,988 votes compared to Revanna’s 6,30,339 votes. The outcome is particularly noteworthy given the high-profile rape and sexual assault case that has been embroiling the JD(S) candidate.

Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, situated in the state of Karnataka, is a significant political stronghold known for its diverse demographic and historical influence in Indian politics. Represented by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda multiple times, this constituency comprises the entire Hassan district and part of the Chikmagalur district. 

This year’s Hassan Lok Sabha Constituency Election 2024 features candidates from the JDS, represented by Prajwal Revanna and M. Shreyas Patel from the Indian National Congress, with the voting was held in Phase 2 on April 26th, with a voter turnout of 77.68%.

The exit polls for Hassan, as per India Today-Axis My India, indicate a closely contested election with predictions favouring the suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna, who is currently in police custody in connection with rape and molestation cases. 

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prajwal Revanna of the JD (S) emerged victorious, securing 676,606 votes, while Manju A of the BJP received 535,282 votes, resulting in a victory margin of 141,324 votes.