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The stakes are high for the opposition BJP in Karnataka, as it faces by-elections to three Assembly constituencies on February 13.
By-elections are being held in Bidar, Devadurga and Hebbal, along with nine other constituencies spread across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and Tripura.
Hebbal and Bidar are held by the BJP while the Congress currently holds Devadurga.
This has become a test for the BJP as it tries to regain the ground it has lost in Karnataka over the last one year.
The by-elections are crucial for the party on two fronts — to retain Assembly constituencies, and to rejuvenate and instil confidence among the party cadre ahead of the crucial district and taluk panchayat elections early this year.
The party has so far tasted a series of poll debacles, right from the civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections, where it lost to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) combine. In the grama panchyat polls, even though the party performed reasonably well, the ruling Congress surprised everyone with a far better showing.
The BJP also lost considerable ground in the recent council elections through local bodies. Council elections are not indicative, but they do represent a grassroots base, which is crucial for the forthcoming district and taluk panchayat elections, and for the next Assembly elections in 2018.
Bargaining powerThese results have been a setback for the BJP. “In the last year, due to a series of poll debacles, we are losing bargaining power with the JDS,” said a senior BJP office-bearer, who did not wish to be identified.
The JDS has emerged a kingmaker and a party to reckon with, after its performance in the grama panchayat, BBMP and council elections.
Now, the BJP sees a revival in the popularity of BS Yeddyurappa, former Chief Minister and Shimoga MP. Yeddyurappa’s acquittal in illegal mining and corruption cases too has come in handy. His return may be just the boost the BJP needs.
“He is the only leader capable of taking the BJP past the winning post,” said a party functionary. “If Yeddyurappa is given a free hand, it will help the party to retain the two seats and give the Congress a run for its money in Devadurga.”
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