In the aftermath of the Karnataka Assembly election, senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala expressed confidence in his party’s triumph and thanked the millions of voters who exercised their franchise. Surjewala stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had acknowledged their defeat, fueling the Congress’ belief that they would secure a comfortable majority and form the new government in the southern state on their own.
Surjewala’s remarks came amidst speculations about a potential post-poll alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), which emerged as a key player according to exit polls. However, when questioned about such a scenario, Surjewala shrugged off the possibility, saying, “Let them go wherever they want to go. I am confident about the Congress forming the government with a decent majority.”
The Congress leader’s optimism stemmed from the party’s diligent efforts in conveying its five major poll promises to the people of Karnataka. He deemed the tactics employed by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to polarize the state as unsuccessful, stating, “BJP and PM Narendra Modi’s attempts to polarize Karnataka did not work.”
While exit polls suggested a closely contested election, with the Congress having a slight edge but potentially falling short of an independent majority, support from the JDS would likely be required. However, the Congress’ state leader, DK Shivakumar, dismissed this notion and expressed confidence in securing a comfortable majority. Shivakumar disregarded the exit polls, emphasizing that they were based on limited samples and reiterated, “I do not know about JDS, let them take their own call. I don’t have any backup plan; my only plan is Congress will win.”
The stage is set for a closely watched electoral outcome in Karnataka, with the Congress hoping to secure victory and the BJP grappling with the acceptance of defeat. The possibility of a post-poll alliance similar to the ill-fated 2018 scenario involving the JDS and Congress remains uncertain, as all parties await the official counting of votes.
As the election results draw near, the political landscape in Karnataka hangs in the balance, with the Congress anticipating a favorable outcome to fulfill their aspirations of forming a government in the state.