The 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections were a closely contested battle between the BJP, Congress, and the JD(S). The BJP, led by B.S. Yediyurappa, emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, but fell short of a majority. The Congress, led by Siddaramaiah, won 78 seats, while the JD(S), led by H.D. Kumaraswamy, won 37 seats.
In a surprise move, the JD(S) formed a coalition government with the Congress, with Kumaraswamy as the Chief Minister. However, the coalition government was unstable from the start, with frequent infighting and disagreements between the two parties.
The BJP was quick to take advantage of the situation and tried to topple the coalition government several times. Eventually, in July 2019, the coalition government collapsed, and the BJP formed a government with Yediyurappa once again becoming the Chief Minister.
Since then, the BJP government has faced several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, and economic slowdown. The opposition parties have been quick to criticize the government’s handling of these issues.
As the state heads towards the 2023 Assembly elections, the BJP faces the challenge of overcoming anti-incumbency sentiments and retaining power in the state. The Congress, on the other hand, needs to regain its lost ground and emerge as a strong opposition party. The JD(S), which has been struggling to maintain its relevance, needs to win a significant number of seats to remain a major player in the state’s politics.
The 2023 Assembly elections in Karnataka are expected to be a closely fought battle, with all parties vying for power. It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious and shape the state’s political landscape for the next five years.