Tag: congress

Role of Demography & Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka State Election Results

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By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

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Demography, encompassing factors like age, caste, and religion, influences voting patterns in Karnataka state elections. Understanding the composition of the electorate helps analyze alliances and voting behavior. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent politician from the Indian National Congress, has campaigned in Karnataka and sought to mobilize support for his party. His effectiveness in connecting with voters and influencing the election outcome varies, as it depends on multiple factors beyond an individual’s influence. Other dynamics, such as party strategies, local issues, and the performance of rival parties, also play crucial roles in determining the results of Karnataka state elections.

Demography plays a significant role in elections as it involves the study of population characteristics and their influence on political outcomes. In the context of the Karnataka state election results, demography can provide insights into the composition of the electorate, such as age, gender, caste, and religion, which can shape voting patterns and alliances. Rahul Gandhi is a prominent Indian politician and a member of the Indian National Congress party. His role in the Karnataka state election results would depend on various factors, including his party’s performance, his campaign efforts, and his ability to connect with voters. While he may have campaigned in the state and tried to mobilize support for his party, the overall outcome of the election would depend on multiple factors beyond any individual’s influence.

Changing Demography of Karnataka

Karnataka has experienced significant demographic changes in recent years. The state’s population has been growing steadily, primarily due to natural increase and in-migration from other parts of India. According to the 2011 census, Karnataka had a population of approximately 61 million. Urbanization has been a prominent trend in the state, with cities like Bengaluru, Mysore, and Mangalore witnessing rapid growth. Bengaluru, in particular, has emerged as a major IT and technology hub, attracting professionals from different parts of the country. This influx of migrants has contributed to the cosmopolitan nature of the city. Karnataka is linguistically diverse, with Kannada being the primary language spoken by a majority of the population. However, there are also significant populations that speak other languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and Konkani, among others. In terms of religious composition, Hinduism is the predominant religion in Karnataka, followed by Islam, Christianity, and Jainism. The state is also home to various religious sects and communities, contributing to its religious diversity. Caste continues to be a factor influencing Karnataka’s demography and politics. Historically influential communities, such as the Lingayats and Vokkaligas, have played significant roles in the state’s social and political landscape. However, other communities, including Scheduled Castes (Dalits) and Scheduled Tribes, have also gained political representation and influence.

It’s important to note that the demographic landscape of Karnataka may have evolved since my last update. For the most up-to-date and precise information, referring to recent studies and official data sources is recommended.

Emergence of Rahul Gandhi 

Rahul Gandhi is a prominent Indian politician and a member of the Indian National Congress party. He is the son of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi’s emergence as a political figure in India began with his active involvement in the Indian National Congress party and his eventual entry into electoral politics. Rahul Gandhi initially served as a general secretary of the Indian National Congress, working behind the scenes to strengthen the party’s organization and support its electoral campaigns. Over time, he took on a more prominent role within the party, becoming the vice president in 2013 and eventually the president of the Indian National Congress in 2017. Rahul Gandhi’s emergence as a political leader has been characterized by efforts to connect with the youth, marginalized communities, and rural populations. He has advocated for issues such as social justice, inclusivity, and economic development. Rahul Gandhi has campaigned extensively in various state elections, including Karnataka, and has sought to rally support for his party’s candidates. While Rahul Gandhi has garnered a considerable following and support within the Indian National Congress party, his political journey has seen ups and downs. He has faced criticism and scrutiny from political opponents and has been actively involved in debates and discussions on various national and regional issues. It is worth noting that political dynamics and individual influence can vary over time, and the specific impact and future trajectory of Rahul Gandhi’s emergence in Indian politics will continue to evolve as political landscapes change.

History of Karnataka Elections

The history of Karnataka elections dates back to the formation of the state in 1956. Since then, Karnataka has witnessed numerous state assembly elections as well as Lok Sabha (parliamentary) elections. Here is a brief overview of the history of Karnataka elections: Early Years: The first general elections in Karnataka took place in 1957. The Indian National Congress (INC) dominated the political landscape in the early years, winning the majority of seats in the state assembly. Coalition Politics: In the 1980s and 1990s, Karnataka witnessed the rise of coalition politics. The Janata Party, a coalition of various anti-Congress parties, came to power in 1983, marking a shift from single-party dominance. This period saw multiple governments being formed by different alliances, including the Janata Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rise of the BJP: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gained prominence in Karnataka during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2004, the BJP formed its first government in the state, led by Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. However, the government faced internal issues, leading to its collapse. Congress Revival: The Indian National Congress made a comeback in Karnataka politics, winning the state assembly elections in 2013. Siddaramaiah became the Chief Minister, leading a Congress government. However, in the 2018 elections, the Congress was unable to secure a majority, leading to a coalition government with the Janata Dal (Secular) party.

Recent Elections: In the most recent state assembly elections held in 2018, the BJP emerged as the single largest party. After a period of political uncertainty, the BJP formed the government with B.S. Yeddyurappa as the Chief Minister. However, in subsequent by-elections, the BJP lost a few seats, resulting in a change of Chief Minister with B.S. Yediyurappa resigning and Basavaraj Bommai taking office in 2021. It’s important to note that the political landscape in Karnataka has been dynamic, with various parties and alliances vying for power. State elections in Karnataka have seen the emergence of regional parties, coalition governments, and shifts in power between the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The outcome of elections in Karnataka has had implications for state governance as well as national politics.

New Challenges for Congress Party

The Congress Party in India has faced several challenges in recent years. Here are some of the key challenges it has encountered: 

Electoral Performance: The Congress Party has witnessed a decline in its electoral performance, especially in national elections. In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party faced significant setbacks, winning only a limited number of seats. This decline has impacted its overall political influence and ability to form a government at the national level.

Leadership Crisis: The party has grappled with a leadership crisis, with a lack of clear and dynamic leadership. This has resulted in a leadership vacuum and internal factionalism, which have weakened the party’s ability to present a united front and effectively communicate its message to the electorate.

Ideological Positioning: The Congress Party has faced challenges in clearly articulating its ideological positioning. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of political parties aligning themselves with specific ideologies or issues, while the Congress Party has struggled to define and communicate its distinct ideological stance.

Regional Strongholds: The Congress Party has lost ground in many states where it previously had strongholds. Regional parties have gained prominence and appeal, leading to a fragmentation of the political landscape. This has reduced the Congress Party’s ability to form alliances and consolidate its support base.

Youth Appeal: The Congress Party has faced difficulties in appealing to the aspirations and concerns of the younger generation. It has struggled to connect with the youth, who are increasingly looking for dynamic and transformative leadership and policies.

Communication Strategy: The Congress Party has faced challenges in effectively communicating its policies and achievements to the electorate. It has struggled to counter the narrative of its political opponents and has often been perceived as lacking a robust communication strategy.

Organizational Strength: The Congress Party has faced issues with its organizational strength and grassroots presence. It has struggled to rejuvenate its party structure and mobilize workers effectively, particularly at the local level.

To overcome these challenges, the Congress Party needs to undertake significant introspection, revitalize its leadership, redefine its ideological positioning, and strengthen its organizational structure. It must also focus on engaging with the aspirations of the youth and effectively communicate its policies and vision to regain public trust and support.

Concluding Remarks 

The Congress Party’s performance in Karnataka elections has been subject to critical appraisal due to a mix of successes and failures. While the party has experienced some notable achievements, it has also encountered significant setbacks. Here is a critical appraisal of the Congress Party’s performance in Karnataka elections:

Mixed Electoral Performance: The Congress Party has had mixed electoral performances in Karnataka. It won the state assembly elections in 2013, forming the government under the leadership of Siddaramaiah. However, in the subsequent 2018 elections, the party failed to secure a majority and had to form a coalition government with the Janata Dal (Secular) party. This highlighted a lack of sustained popularity and the inability to secure a clear mandate.

Leadership Challenges: The Congress Party has struggled with leadership challenges in Karnataka. While Siddaramaiah played a significant role in the party’s victory in 2013, his tenure as Chief Minister was marked by controversies and internal rifts. Additionally, the absence of a strong and decisive leader at the state level has affected the party’s ability to effectively mobilize support and present a cohesive image.

Intra-party Factionalism: The Congress Party in Karnataka has been plagued by factionalism and infighting. Internal divisions and power struggles have hindered the party’s unity and cohesion, leading to weakened electoral campaigns and suboptimal coordination among party members.

Failure to Capitalize on Governance: The Congress Party’s tenure in Karnataka witnessed a mixed record in governance. While some initiatives were undertaken, such as social welfare programs and measures to address agrarian issues, the party failed to effectively communicate and capitalize on these achievements. Inadequate implementation and a lack of clear messaging hindered their ability to connect with voters and secure their trust.

Inability to Counter BJP’s Rise: The Congress Party has struggled to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) rise in Karnataka. The BJP’s strong organizational structure, effective campaign strategies, and appeal to Hindutva ideology have posed significant challenges for the Congress Party. The party has been unable to effectively counter the BJP’s messaging and address the concerns of a changing electorate.

Failure to Strengthen Party Organization: The Congress Party has faced challenges in strengthening its party organization at the grassroots level in Karnataka. The absence of a robust and well-connected organizational structure has hindered their ability to mobilize support and build a strong voter base.

To improve their performance in national elections, the Congress Party needs to address these critical issues. They should focus on nurturing strong and decisive leadership, resolving internal factionalism, communicating their achievements effectively, countering the BJP’s rise, and revitalizing the party organization at all levels. Additionally, connecting with voters on issues that resonate with them and presenting a clear vision for the state’s development will be crucial in rebuilding public trust and support.

References 

Antil, A., & Verma, H. V. (2021). Rahul Gandhi on Twitter: An analysis of brand building through Twitter by the leader of the main opposition party in India. Global Business Review, 22(5), 1258-1275.

Devi, B. U. (2013). Rahul Gandhi’s Immaturity. Economic and Political Weekly, 48(43), 5-5.

Gould, H. A. (1997). General Elections, 1996: Karnataka: Decline and Fall of the Congress Machine. Economic and Political Weekly, 2335-2349.

Manor, J. (2008). Letting a winnable election slip away: Congress in Karnataka. Economic and Political Weekly, 23-28.

Mahapatra, S., & Plagemann, J. (2019). Polarisation and politicisation: the social media strategies of Indian political parties.

Manor, J. (2013). Lucky in Its Adversaries: A Slipshod Congress Gains a Majority in the Karnataka Election. Economic and Political Weekly, 51-59.

Palshikar, S., & Suri, K. C. (2014). India’s 2014 Lok Sabha elections: Critical shifts in the long term, caution in the short term. Economic and Political Weekly, 39-49.

Pinto, A. (1994). Karnataka Assembly Elections: An Overview. Economic and Political Weekly, 3309-3311.

Shastri, S. (2009). Leadership at the state level mattered. Economic and Political Weekly, 88-91.

Shastri, S. (2013). The 2013 Karnataka Assembly Outcome: Government Performance and Party Organization Matters. Studies in Indian Politics, 1(2), 135-152.Simmons, C. (2019). Dynastic Continuity and Election in Contemporary Karnataka Politics. In South Asian Sovereignty (pp. 136-149). Routledge India.

The Quit India Movement Day

August 8th marks a very iconic day in Indian history. The Indian National Congress declared its ultimatum for the British to leave India. This movement in itself had contested set of consequences – the strengthening of the Muslim League, the rise of freedom struggle motivated Subash Chandra Bose to invade the British camps in Noth East and Gandhi, for the fist time in his career was willing to go agressive even if he had his own definitions of the word – when he announced, “karo ya maro” (Do or Die).

Quit India Movement: Who gave the slogan 'Do or Die' - Oneindia News

The Quit India movement came up at the heels of the failure of the Cripps Mission that was sent by the Raj to secure Indian cooperation towards the British war efforts in the second world war. The leader of the mission, Sir S. Cripps was left wing British statesman who was sympathetic to the cause of Indian self rule but was also a member of the war cabinet of 1942.

The proposals of the mission were refused by the Congress which had seen similar proposals in the first world war where the Raj had promised more autonomy but ended up imposing harsher taxes that resulted in the Non-Cooperation movement, the Rowlatt and Jalia Walah Bagh massacres. The Indian National Congress resigned from its positions in all provincial governments and announced the Quit India Resolution that led a national movement that was difficult for the British to look after in the face of the then ongoing second world war. Virtually all of the INC leaders were jailed for the next three years and the Muslim league got enough time to build itself a support that shook the years Gandhi had spent projecting himself and his colleagues as leaders of a secular, united state of India. To add to it was the vehement opposition Hindu nationalists showed to the movement where many, including the Hindu Mahasabha and Veer Savarakar denounced the movement pointing out to the power vacuum it might cause and quite correctly predicitng the Muslim League partially filling the same.

The British soon left the subcontinent – too weak due to the war to control a population that was showing both civil disobedience and had an army of its own – a reference to the insurgency and attacks the INA had started in the Raj’s territories.

The Quit India movement – with all its pros and cons and consequences formed a very important phase in the history of modern India.

Jinnah expected India and Pakistan to be best of friends - Telegraph India
Jinnah and Gandhi had quite different outlook and faced different consequences due to the Quit India Movement – one failed in his projection of a secular and inclusive India, the other successfully used it to campaign for Pakistan

TARIQ ANWAR AT KPCC HEADQUARTERS


All India Congress committees newly appointed General Secretary, Tariq Anwar, in-charge of Kerela and lakshwadeep, addressed the media at the Kerela Pradesh Congress committee headquarters and raised his voice against the bills passed by the NDA government.


He said, “Large number of farmers and agricultural workers are protesting against these bills and they are being suppressed by the government.”


He also added that in Rajya Sabha, the opposition wanted division on this particular bill but the deputy chairman rejected it and then the bill was passed without voting .


The Congress leadership has now decided to launch a series of nationwide protest for the agitating farmers against these anti farmers bills, which will start from 26th of September.


The series of the events will include as follows:


• 26th September – ‘Speak for farmers’, An online protest will be conducted. Where all the party members will be requested to join through social media platforms.


• 28th September – A March will be organised where the party members will submit a memorandum to the governor, addressing the President of India on the agricultural bills.


• 2nd October – On The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi And Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Congress will observe, the ‘majdoor bachao diwas’.


• 10th October – ‘Kisan Sammelan’, Will be organised at state level.


• 2nd-31st October – Signature campaign will be organised where the party members will take signature from 2crore farmers, agricultural workers and mandi workers.


• 14th November – the Memorandum with 2crore signatures will be submitted to the Honourable President.


In th end Tariq Anwar said, “This time we will compel the central government that they should not play with the future of the farmers.”

Tariq Anwar honored by All India Qaumi Tanzeem

Tariq Anwar was honoured by a welcome reception thrown by the All India Qaumi Tanzeem.


He has been elevated to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) as a general secretary and was also Included in the top most policy making part – Congress working committee (CWC) for which the ceremony was conducted.


It was organised under the guidance of Abdul Sami Salmani, director of AIQT, Delhi. On this occasion. The Delhi director and the South Delhi Director Syed Kamruddin, Both said that Tariq is a known face in the Congress party, experienced politician and the party will be benefited after this elevation. The both thanked the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and added that the Tanzeem will work towards strengthening the party.


Syed Kamruddin said, “Static unwed has a clear past and we will all play an important role in making the Congress stronger. We will follow the rules of Tariq ji because His previous tenure cannot be forgotten as he always worked for the betterment of the society as a whole, without discriminating. The Congress took the right step at the right time.”


Abdul Sami Salmani said, “In the past, Tarik Anwar has been honoured with this position, He has great achievements in that tenure and will have that in future too.”


Maulana Allauddin, MD. Imtiaz, MD. Yusuf Chowdhury, Shankat Ali, Subrat Ali, Foorkhan Salmani were also present in this reception.

The Law of Defection

Merely just four months have passed and congress once again in the brink of “losing” one more state after “winning” the election.

First, Jyotiraditya Scindia in Madhya Pradesh and Now Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan. The oldest political party of country is facing a severe crisis as never been seen before. After the disagreement on various issues Sachin Pilot has openly come against the party leadership in Rajasthan. Congress’s top brass is trying to amend things but also sternly stated that if Pilot and his supporters will revolt against the party or try to topple the government in state with the help of BJP, they will have to face the disciplinary action.

The Anti defection law

There was a time in Indian politics when a “netaji” from haryana MLA Gaya Lal changed his party not once or twice but thrice in a single day. After that the phrase “aaya raam, gaya raam” became popular in political circuit. The trend to leave a party and join a new or again leave that, had become a trend. Several parties in India continued to be involved in this type of political horse-trading to grab the power.

To end this trend, an anti defection law was passed in 1985. The law was inserted by the 52nd constitutional amendment Act in the Tenth Schedule. It lays down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the presiding officer/Speaker of a legislature based on a petition by any other member of the house. The law applies to both Parliament and state assemblies.

Important Features of the law

• A legislator is deemed to have defected if he either voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or disobeys the directives of the party leadership on a vote. This rule implies on them too who abstain from the voting or vote against the party whip on any issue.  

•A person shall be disqualified for being a member of either House of Parliament if he is so disqualified under the Tenth Schedule.

• A person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State if he is so disqualified under the Tenth Schedule.

Exception under the law

The law allows a party to merge with into another party, but at least two-thirds of its legislators are in favour of the merger.

If a new political party is created by the elected members of one party.

Those members of the party who haven’t accepted the merger between the two parties and opted to perform as a separate group from the time of such a merger.
In such a scenario, neither the members who decide to merge, nor the ones who stay with the original party will face disqualification.

This law has certainly  been able to curb the defection to a great extent. But In recent years what happened in Goa, Karnataka & MP are some fresh examples of the loopholes of this law. This shows that the law needs a relook in order to plug these loopholes. Though one cannot deny that this law has served as one of the most important legislation  Indian Parliament has enacted.