Karnataka polls | Revanna issue dominates, but electoral impact uncertain, says expert

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The stage is set for the second phase of elections in the 14 remaining Lok Sabha seats on Tuesday, May 7, with the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locking horns in what will be a straight fight in these Parliamentary constituencies located in the northern districts. NDA ally Janata Dal (Secular) is not contesting these seats.

A key issue in this stage of polls could be the Prajwal Revanna sexual assault case, with the sole MP representing the JD (S) suspended by his party.

Currently abroad, Prajwal’s absence doesn’t diminish the gravity of the situation. In a twist, the Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT) has apprehended his father, HD Revanna, a prominent JD (S) MLA, in connection with a kidnapping case.

Despite these developments, veteran BJP leader and former CM BS Yeddyurappa has said the case against Prajwal will not impact the BJP’s prospects.

Speaking to CNBC-TV18, DP Satish, Network 18’s group editorial advisor, emphasised the relatively minor role of JD (S) in the 14 parliamentary seats up for contention. While the Prajwal Revanna issue dominates discussions across Karnataka, its direct impact on the election’s outcome remains uncertain.

He added, “Congress has made it a big issue. During the election campaign, Congress leaders made it a big issue and wherever they went in the last one week, they spoke about this issue. But I don’t know if it is going to affect the outcome. Because that is very difficult to say, people are discussing this issue, but I don’t know if it is going to affect the electoral outcome.”

Read Here | Karnataka Lok Sabha elections 2024: Schedule, seats, BJP candidates and more

Talking about the Lingayat factor, Satish said Lingayats make up 15–16% of the population. The alliance of Lingayats with lower castes will make it an interesting contest. The Congress has fielded five Lingayat candidates and wants to eat into some of the Lingayat votes of the BJP in this phase.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, Congress has fielded former MP and veteran leader Jai Prakash Aggarwal from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk seat. Aggarwal lost to the BJP’s Harsh Vardhan in 2019. This time, he will be facing Praveen Khandelwal, the founder of the Confederation of All India Traders, who is contesting on a BJP ticket. Delhi will be going to polls in the sixth phase on May 25.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow