Mysuru:
The ruling Congress government in Karnataka appears to be increasingly uneasy as a couple of shocking internal and private surveys have reportedly rung alarm bells within the party’s top brass.
According to highly placed sources, these surveys—conducted by reliable private agencies—paint a grim picture for the Congress, projecting fewer than 50 seats in the 2028 Assembly elections, a dramatic fall attributed to widespread public dissatisfaction over governance in the last three years.
If the survey findings are to be believed, the verdict from the people is brutally clear. A majority of respondents have allegedly given zero marks to the incumbent government for what they describe as a lack of visible development, corruption charges against the ministers, the stoppage or dilution of several welfare schemes, and a governance style that, in their view, promotes dependency through excessive freebies rather than empowerment. Many respondents feel that instead of creating jobs and infrastructure, the government has focused more on short-term populist measures, leaving long-term growth on the back burner.
Appeasement Politics Sparks Anger
One of the most damaging findings for the Congress appears to be the growing perception of excessive appeasement of minorities, particularly Muslims, while placing restrictions on festivals and religious expressions of the Hindu majority. According to the surveys, this perceived imbalance has deeply angered large sections of citizens, who feel their cultural and religious sentiments are being sidelined for political gains.
The resentment has reportedly intensified following incidents of attacks on Ganesha processions in various parts of the state. Many respondents have indicated that these incidents, and the government’s response to them, have convinced them not to support the Congress in future elections.
Dharmasthala Controversy Adds Fuel to Fire
Another sensitive issue highlighted in the surveys is public anger over what is seen as government interference in the sanctity of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala. The Siddaramaiah-led government is accused by respondents of listening to a handful of individuals perceived as anti-Hindu, thereby hurting the religious sentiments of millions of devotees. This issue, sources say, has caused silent but significant damage to the Congress’s traditional voter base.
The recent haste in providing houses to displaced residents in the Kogilu layout of Bengaluru has also sparked backlash. According to the surveys, a large section of voters believe the move disproportionately favored one community, reinforcing the narrative that the Congress prioritizes minority appeasement over inclusive governance.
Adding to the woes is the ongoing power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. This public tug-of-war over the CM’s chair has, according to respondents, badly dented the party’s image and exposed deep cracks within the leadership.
To make matters worse, fresh corruption allegations against incumbent ministers have further tarnished the government’s credibility. Many respondents reportedly remarked that these scandals prove the Congress is no different from the BJP when it comes to corruption, puncturing the party’s moral high ground narrative.
A Wake-Up Call for Congress
Taken together, these survey findings are being seen as a serious wake-up call for the Congress. Unless the party course-corrects, addresses public anger, reins in internal conflicts, and shifts focus from appeasement to performance-driven governance, the road to 2028 may turn out to be far more difficult than the party ever anticipated.