Karnataka Byelection 2019: Why it matters to parties, leaders

Why it matters to BJP: In the 224-member Karnataka assembly, 17 seats are vacant following disqualification of those members. The BJP is the single largest party with 105 seats. The Congress has 66 members and the JD(S) 34. Out of 17 seats, 15 constituencies faced bypolls on Thursday, while two are caught in election related litigation. The BJP has to win seven seats to retain power on its own.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa (BJP): The bypolls are a litmus test to the popularity of Yediyurappa, who is also the tallest political leader from the Lingayat community. Any poor showing will not only dent the BJP’s image, the CM’s continuation will also become an issue.

Siddaramaiah, Congress legislature party (CLP) leader: The 71-year old former CM is leading his party from the front, and carrying out an aggressive campaign to defeat all the 13 MLAs who defected to the BJP. If the Congress is able to limit the BJP tally below seven, Siddu‘s stock is bound to go up.


Number Theory: The Congress is expecting a miracle in that BJP regime is reduced to a minority. In such a scenario, the party hopes to do an encore of Maharashtra. Of course, by tying up again with JD(S).

The JD(S): Its leaders are giving all possible hints. They are hinting of backing the BJP regime in the event it falls short of numbers. They have talked of supporting the Congress minus Siddaramaiah.

Operation Lotus 2.0: The JD(S) is worried that if the BJP fails to win seven seats, it will poach the party MLAs, and make them to resign in a repeat of what has come to be known as Operation Lotus.

Mallikarjuna Kharge & G Parameshwara: The Congress leaders always nursed ambition of becoming CM. They have thin hopes of giving a shot at the coveted post if everything else falls in place.

Key Contestents in Fray: Ex-ministers Ramesh Jarkiholi, H Vishwanath, & MTB Nagaraj (all BJP)