How Prajwal Revanna case derailed BJP-JD(S) poll campaign in Karnataka

With only a few hours left for the polling in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies of North Karnataka and Central Karnataka regions, it has become quite evident now that the excitement that surrounded the elections in the first phase has waned in the second phase.

The election campaign was particularly lacklustre over the past week in the aftermath of the sexual harassment case against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna hogging the limelight. Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a couple of rallies, the trademark vigour and enthusiasm was missing in their roadshows and public meetings. The leaders of BJP’s alliance partner, JD(S), have also refrained from attending public meetings to garner support ahead of polling.

BJP campaign loses steam

Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi has not addressed any rally in the state for the past few days. Amit Shah has largely distanced himself from the pen drive case despite his involvement in the election campaign. Moreover, during his visit to Bengaluru on Saturday (May 4), he refrained from meeting HD Kumaraswamy, even though they were staying at the same hotel.

Notably, it's also been reported that the state BJP leaders have been asked to maintain distance from JD(S) leaders. Overall, as claimed by BJP leaders, Prajwal’s pen drive case has come as an embarrassment for the BJP ahead of the second phase of polling in the state. This sentiment was echoed by senior BJP leader Arvind Limbavali, who openly stated that the case has adversely affected the party's poll campaign, with leaders showing reluctance to engage with the public. He also acknowledged that the case has posed serious challenges for the BJP.

Speaking to The Federal Karnataka, a senior BJP leader from North Karnataka, pleading anonymity, said the alliance with the JD(S) would not yield any benefit to their party. He added that the pen drive scandal has exacerbated the situation, leaving the party workers at a loss for words.

JD(S) leaders keep away

JD(S) holds considerable clout in Vijayapur, Raichur, Uttara Kannada, Davangere, and Shimoga Lok Sabha constituencies. However, following this case, JD(S) leaders have largely distanced themselves from the BJP's campaign in these constituencies. Even in Belagavi, Chikkodi, Dharwad, Haveri-Gadag, Koppala, Bellary, Bidar, and Kalaburagi, JD(S) supporters and workers have withdrawn from the election campaign, according to party leaders.

Speaking to The Federal Karnataka, senior political analyst from North Karnataka, Ashok Chandragi said, “There was considerable confusion between the JD(S) and the BJP in this region even before the pen drive case emerged. Grassroots leaders and activists were discontented with compromises made at the top level. The Prajwal Revanna case has only added to the prevailing chaos.”

He said the case has prompted the JD(S) to stay away from the campaign while also severely embarrassing the BJP. “Leaders and activists are now facing difficulties in seeking votes from the public. After the case hit the headlines, no state-level JD(S) leader, including JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy, has visited North Karnataka. Even in BJP meetings, some leaders have withdrawn from the campaign, significantly impacting their momentum. However, it remains to be seen how much this setback will affect the BJP's vote share,” he added.

Overall the Prajwal pen drive case has dealt a significant blow not only to the JD(S) but also to its ally BJP in their stronghold of North Karnataka. However, the extent of this setback in terms of election results will only become clear on June 4 when votes will be counted.