Karnataka bypolls: Why the Muslims are voting for the BJP

The Nanjangud and Gundlupet bypolls in Karnataka is one of the most fiercely fought after 2006 Chamundeshwari bypoll but what makes it far more interesting is the unusual division of votes. While parties generally take to wooing people of select caste, the same is turning out to be a challenge this time around. For example, according to the Congress' own estimate, at least 20 percent of Muslim voters in Nanjangud will vote for the BJP, in fact for Srinivas Prasad. Generally considered a solid vote bank of the Congress, the Muslim community in Nanjangud is divided with close to 20 per cent of them pledging loyalty to Srinivas Prasad.

The situation is no different for the BJP. The lingayat votes considered a solid vote back of the BJP is also divided in both constituencies. More so in Nanjangud where BJP has fielded Srinivas Prasad, a Dalit, as its candidate. While Yeddyurappa has become the face of the campaign and Srinivas Prasad is hardly seen in the constituency, the lingayats are not a convinced lot. While some firmly stand by Yeddyurappa, many who have been staunch BJP supporters earlier have decided to vote for the Congress simply because Srinivas Prasad was instrumental in getting lingayats convicted in the Badanaval Dalit atrocity case. There too, the traditional BJP votes are getting divided.

While the Dalit votes in both constituencies are divided for obvious reasons, it is the other backward classes votes that have become a headache for the Congress. Left wing Dalits like the Nayakas, who have a prominent presence in both constituencies are solidly rallying behind the BJP while right wing Dalits are extending support to the Congress. Dalits in Nanjangud are unhappy with Srinivas Prasad joining the BJP while Lingayats in Gundlupet are unhappy about the Congress' decision to field Geetha Mahadevprasad.

For the BJP, Sriramulu is emerging as a game changer for the ST votes in both constituencies while Shobha Karandlaje, V Somanna and Parimala Nagappa are working wonders with women voters in Gundlupet. According to an assessment by the Congress leaders working in both constituencies, all ST votes will go to the BJP. The JD(S) votes that will flow to the Congress may come as respite to the party. With such varied division of votes, the Karnataka bypolls this time around is a fight to the finish.

OneIndia News