The marginalisation of Karnataka’s third force JD(S) is indicative of increasing bipolarity in state politics. In most states, vote shares of the party that finished third show them trailing the winner and runner-up by a huge margin
JD(S) went all out to win the seat as a prestige battle; Muslim votes seen to have consolidated behind it after a controversial speech by Gowda, the sitting BJP MLA
Along with coastal Karnataka, the people of the IT capital and pub city were the face saver for the BJP. They tuned out all the noise and put their faith in the saffron party, once again.