Karnataka: Change and continuity in 2014

Abstract

The 2014 elections reveal that there has been change as well as continuity in the electoral politics of Karnataka. Change could be seen on issues like the waning role of third forces in Karnataka politics. Another change is the presence of alternative political forces like AAP. The presence of such forces at least introduces the possibility of politics of performance, devoid of caste and religion. Karnataka as one federal unit like other southern states had opposed the dominating character of national parties like the Congress. But the 2014 elections have brought changes in such features of state politics. Features which are being continued are the role of caste and amalgamation of a few castes for electoral success, nonrepresentation of people belonging to social categories such as religious minorities, numerically minute caste groups, women, and the youth. And above all, the discourse on political campaigning was revolving around AHINDA and the upper or dominant caste groups. As far as the internal dynamics of political parties and the defeat of the candidates of both the BJP and Congress is concerned, it has been witnessed mainly as a consequence of the factional politics within the party in a large number of cases. Obviously, consolidation of local leaders is a major decisive factor in any party. National issues including the Modi wave were not so influential in determining the outcome of the 2014 general elections in Karnataka. Except corruption and governance to a certain degree, none of the issues of national importance played a crucial role in the elections in the state. Again it was the local issues which played a vital role in the electoral outcome. The merger of the KJP with the BJP consolidated the support base which contributed significantly to the success of the BJP in Karnataka.