The Hindu : Karnataka News : Congress on a comeback trail

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Congress on a comeback trail

Special Correspondent

BAGALKOT: The resurgent Congress party, aided by the increased factionalism in the Bharatiya Janata Party, is on a comeback trail in Bagalkot district. It was here that it was rejected in the 2004 elections, with the BJP making a clean sweep winning six out of seven seats and the remaining Guledgud seat going to the Janata Dal (Secular).

In the electoral history of Bagalkot district, it was for the first time that the Congress was totally wiped out in one district. But it appears to have made a concerted attempt to gain back its lost hold in the district.

Except for a few hiccups in the selection of the party candidate in the newly formed weaver dominated Terdal Assembly constituency, the Congress party did not face other problems. Former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah joining the Congress has strengthened the party, with the consolidation of the Kuruba vote. The Kurubas have considerable vote strength in all seven Assembly constituencies. The majority of the Muslims are also likely to support the Congress since no other political party has the required strength to defeat the BJP, whom they consider as their first enemy.

Unlike in the 2004 general elections, all sections of the Congress party are united. Former Opposition leader in the Legislative council H.K. Patil can change the course of the results in at least two Assembly constituencies of Bilgi and Mudhol.

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