The Lingayat-dominated Kittur Karnataka region, popularly known as Mumbai-Karnataka, has become a BJP stronghold over the past two decades. With the upcoming elections witnessing a tight contest between the BJP and Congress, the outcome hinges on the voting behavior of the Lingayat community, a dominant force in many constituencies.
Analysing the Congress's Victory in Karnataka After the Initial Hype thewire.in - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thewire.in Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
While the Congress can form the government comfortably for the next five years, this victory itself cannot be construed as the defeat of communalism or of the BJP.
Karnataka Election Results: Out of the 69 Lingayats fielded by the BJP, only 15 secured victory. The community, which has traditionally backed the saffron party, supported the Congress this time. This disenchantment was long in the making