As Karnataka Steps Out To Vote, Here Are 16 Points To Make Sense Of It All

Karnataka is stepping out to vote. Even as opinion polls continue to suggest a hung assembly, H D Deve Gowda is happy at such a prospect. A cracker of an election like Gujarat is on the cards. Let’s take a look at the key data points.

1. Seats tally over the years

The fortunes of Janata Dal (Secular) (JD (S)) have plunged after the disintegration of the original Janata Dal. In 1999, JD(S) could win only 10 seats. However, in recent years, the party has recovered from the lows and has won on an average 40 seats in last three polls, having played the role of kingmaker in 2004. It is hoping again to call the shots as opinion polls suggest a hung assembly. The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has steadily improved its performance over the years from two seats in 1985 to 110 in 2008.

However, in 2013, its performance was affected by exodus of B S Yeddyurappa and the Reddy brothers.

The Congress has fallen from its peak of 178 in 1989 to 122 seats in 2013. It has done well in alternate elections.

2. Vote shares

Congress vote share has declined from its earlier standard 43-44 per cent range to 35-37 per cent now. BJP’s vote share has improved from 4 per cent levels and stabilised at 30-34 per cent range. JDS has been constant at 20 per cent levels.

3. Caste-Wise break up

Caste plays an important role in Karnataka politics. Around 73 per cent of people surveyed in an ADR poll stated that they would vote on the basis of caste and/or religion of the candidate. Upper caste, Lingayats and Vokkaligas account for 32 per cent, OBCs 28 per cent, SC/STs 24 per cent and minorities 16 per cent of the state’s population.

4. Caste matrix

LIBRA (Lingayat and Brahmin) is an anchor voting segment of the BJP. STs, Muslims and Kurubas are staunch supporters of the Congress, while Vokkaligas are big supporters of the JDS. The OBC vote is divided between BJP and Congress.

5. Caste wise voting in 2014 Lok Sabha elections

In 2014, more than 60 per cent LIBRA supported the BJP. The Congress got highest support from the OBCs, SCs, STs and Muslims. The Vokkaliga vote was split between the three main players with BJP bagging the highest. In state elections, JD(S) is likely to get the maximum Vokkaliga vote followed by the BJP. The BJP is eyeing this vote bank in seats where JDS is not in a position to defeat the Congress.

6. Reserved seats

There are 51 reserved seats in the state, 35 (SC) 16 (ST). SC / ST account for 24 per cent of the state’s population. The BJP won 29 of these in 2008 while Congress won 26 in 2013. BJP hopes to improve its tally banking on the influence of Sriramulu who may become the Deputy chief minister if the party comes to power. The JD(S) is hoping to improve its performance and has tied up with the BSP which has about 2 per cent vote share in the state.

7. Seats in contention and strike rate required

The BJP has been in contention (1st or 2nd) in 150 odd seats, the Congress in 190 and JD(S) in 80 seats as per last three elections. To form the government, the BJP requires a high strike rate of 77 per cent while the Congress needs one of 59 per cent. The JD(S) meanwhile requires 138 per cent, a mathematical improbability.

8. Direct contests

The BJP is in direct contest with Congress in 135 and with the JD(S) in 25 seats. 65 seats have an INC vs JD(S) contest. This shows the concentrated nature of BJP and JD(S) vote shares, while Congress support is more spread out across the state. Hence, the BJP can win with a lower vote share like in 2008. Also, the better the JD(S) does, the more harmful it will be for the Congress.

9. Victory margins in 2013

The Congress won more than half of the close contests (margins less than 3,000 votes) in 2013. It also won 60 per cent of the seats with margin of greater than 20,000 votes. The average margin of BJP and JD(S) was lower than the overall average margin of 16,000 votes.

10. Region-wise performance in 2013 (seats)

The JD(S) won more than 60 per cent of its seats in the Old Mysuru region. The BJP got maximum number of seats from Bombay Karnataka and Bengaluru, while Congress from Old Mysuru and Bombay Karnataka. BJP is expected to do well in North Karnataka this time where KJP (Yeddyurappa’s party) damaged its prospects in 29 seats in 2013.

11. Region wise performance in 2013 (vote share)

The JD(S) is strongest in Old Mysuru and weakest in Karavali. In fact, except for Old Mysuru, in all regions its vote share is lower than the state average of 20 per cent. The BJP (including former KJP) has its strongest areas in Bombay Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru and is weakest in Old Mysuru. The Congress’ best performances are in Coastal Karnataka and Old Mysuru, and worst in Hyderabad Karnataka.

12. The Real Picture

The current BJP contested as three separate units in 2013. If it would have contested as a unified entity, it would have won 87 seats and there would have been a hung assembly situation. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was leading in 132 seats, implying it has a buffer of 20 odd seats to majority.

13. BJP’s Lok Sabha performance vs subsequent state elections performance

BJP has lost vote share in most state elections held after Lok Sabha elections except for those in Maharashtra and Kerala. The extent of the loss of vote share compared to central elections where the BJP recorded 43 per cent vote share in Karnataka will determine how BJP performs in these elections. On an average, it has lost around 24 per cent of the vote share it recorded in the central elections. In Karnataka, it can’t afford to lose more than 15 per cent which will take it up to 37 per cent of total vote share in the state.

14. Congress’ Lok Sabha performance vs subsequent state elections performance

Congress has lost vote share in nine state elections held after Lok Sabha elections of 2014 and has gained vote share in seven states. The extent of the loss of vote share compared to central elections where it recorded close to 42 per cent vote share in Karnataka will determine how INC performs in these elections. On an average it has lost around 17 per cent of the vote share it recorded in the central elections. In Karnataka, it can’t afford to lose more than 10 per cent which will take it upto 38 per cent of total vote share in Karnataka.

15. Turnout holds the key in Karnataka now

An analysis of 12 big states which went to polls after Lok Sabha elections in 2014 throws up an interesting trend. Eight states voted out state governments, seven of them recorded a higher turnout than in the last assembly elections. Only Punjab, which saw a change of government, recorded a low turnout. Four states re-elected the incumbent governments, three of them recorded low turnout. Only Bihar recorded a high turnout and still re-elected a government. Higher turnout means high anti-incumbency against Siddaramaiah. Low turnout means he is safe.

16. Role of NOTA

NOTA may also play a role. Higher NOTA will benefit Congress, as it denotes people unhappy with Congress but not confident of BJP /JD(S) solving their problems. An analysis of top five NOTA-voting big states shows that four of them returned the incumbent government to power. A high NOTA vote share of greater than 1.5-2 per cent will help the Congress.

As Karnataka once again takes part in the churn of democracy, we’d be observing how the numbers play out, and which are the new ones that come up.