LS 2024: Battleground Shivamogga – Congress & BJP face off amidst family rivalries

Shivamogga, which has been a powerhouse in state politics, is set for another direct fight between the Congress and BJP. The BJP-Congress rivalry is evenly matched, and it is almost certain that the descendants of former Chief Ministers could face each other again.

The Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency includes eight state Assembly Constituencies, including the Byndoor Assembly Constituency of Udupi District. There are currently BJP MLAs in four, Congress in three, and JDS in one. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP MLAs held sway in all constituencies except Bhadravati. In 2014, there were JDS MLAs in three, Congress in four, and BJP in one. This time, the constituency’s dynamics have shifted slightly as JDS has aligned with the BJP.

Historical Context:

Since 1952, a total of 19 general elections, including by-elections, have been held, with Congress emerging victorious 10 times. The BJP secured victory six times, while J H Patel from the Socialist Party and Bangarappa under the banner of Samajwadi and Karnataka Janata Party symbols also tasted success.

Congress held power until 1996. In that year, Bangarappa contested the Lok Sabha elections and emerged victorious. Bangarappa continued his winning streak, securing victories in 1999 under Congress, in 2004 under BJP, and in 2005 under the Samajwadi Party. In 2009, Bangarappa faced defeat at the hands of former CM B S Yediyurappa’s son B Y Raghavendra. Yediyurappa himself won by a considerable margin in 2014. Since 2009, the  Bangarappa and Yediyurappa families have been pitted against each other.

Caste equation:

Of the 14.82 lakh-odd registered voters, it is estimated that 4 lahks are Idigas, over 3 lakh Lingayats, and 3 lakh Muslims. However, recent elections have seen a shift away from caste calculations, with factors such as development, nationalism, and Hindutva playing a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes. Nonetheless, the fragmentation of Idiga votes has posed challenges to Idiga candidates’ victories.

Bangarappa – Yediyurappa family rivalry

The Bangarappa family is eagerly awaiting a chance for a comeback. According to sources, it is almost certain that sitting MP, B Y Raghavendra, will secure the BJP ticket, while curiosity mounts over the Congress candidate. Speculation in the Congress camp suggests that the Bangarappa siblings may emerge as rivals, with Minister Madhu Bangarappa and sister Geeta Shivrajkumar’s names circulating.

Additionally, BJP leader Kumar Bangarappa’s potential candidacy is also being discussed, with efforts underway to woo him to the Congress, a move that could significantly impact the community dynamics.

It is interesting to see if the Bangarappa siblings would join forces, seeking retribution against the Yeddyurappa family, who have defeated their children in previous elections. The BJP is also making efforts to retain Kumar Bangarappa within the party fold.

Translated from a Kannada article by Sharath Bhadravati