The announcement of the Karnataka election dates took many by surprise, as there was little reason to believe that the Congress would secure a massive mandate. However, the pronouncements of the party’s leaders on data and victory margins were meant to be inspirational rather than evidence-based. While many commentators have focused on the failure of the BJP in highlighting issues, selecting the right candidates and slogans, and countering opposition charges, it is important to consider the positive outcome of the Congress’s redefinition and its impact on the social configuration in Karnataka.
The Congress, recognizing the need for change, crafted a distinct ideological map and developed an action plan based on it. The party emphasized its commitment to democracy as a core value, promoting equal regard for all citizens regardless of their identity markers. It upheld the ideal of social justice, not merely as a set of preferential measures for vulnerable social groups, but also as a means to address prevailing partisanship, injustice, exclusion, and discrimination. The Congress argued that these values had been neglected under the BJP’s rule, pointing out that the current regime undermined citizen rights, including the right to dissent, which are foundational to constitutional democracy. It also highlighted the BJP’s role in centralizing and personalizing power, leading to a weakening of federalism.
The success of the Congress in securing a significant mandate can be attributed to its ability to pin down the BJP and drastically reduce the electoral strength of the JD(S). By redefining itself and articulating a clear vision, the Congress tapped into the sentiments of the electorate in Karnataka. The social configuration of the state was amply suited for the Congress’s redefinition, as it resonated with the concerns of the people.
While it is true that the BJP faced challenges in effectively highlighting issues, selecting candidates, and countering opposition charges, it is important to move beyond the assumption that the BJP was destined to win at the hustings. The Congress’s redefined approach and messaging struck a chord with voters, contributing to its electoral success.
It is worth noting that the Congress’s record on federalism may not be unsullied, but given the BJP’s centralizing tendencies and the personalization of power, the Congress emerged as an ardent advocate for preserving and strengthening federalism. This stance further appealed to voters who were concerned about the concentration of power at the center.
The Congress’s success in the Karnataka elections can be attributed to its redefinition and the ideological map it crafted. By championing democratic values, social justice, citizen rights, and federalism, the party struck a chord with the electorate and effectively challenged the BJP’s narrative. The positive outcome of the mandate reflects the ability of the Congress to connect with the people and offer an alternative vision for governance in Karnataka.