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Congress Ramps Up Karnataka Strategy: Bharat Jodo 2.0 Targets 2028 Assembly, 2029 Lok Sabha
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News18•30-09-2026, 15:16
Congress Ramps Up Karnataka Strategy: Bharat Jodo 2.0 Targets 2028 Assembly, 2029 Lok Sabha
- •The Karnataka Congress is launching "Bharat Jodo 2.0" on September 30, covering 84 constituencies lost in the 2023 election over 84 days across 29 districts, starting from Shikaripura, Shivamogga.
- •This initiative aims to consolidate 2023 gains, strengthen grassroots organization, and prevent BJP resurgence, with a larger goal of making Karnataka a "gateway to power at the Centre in 2029."
- •The 2028 assembly election is seen as a crucial stepping stone for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, providing political continuity and an established organizational network for the Congress.
- •CM DK Shivakumar has emphasized grassroots strengthening, warning MLAs that failure to build the party in their constituencies could risk their tickets, highlighting the national importance of Karnataka as a key southern base.
- •The strategy also addresses the BJP's strong presence in Karnataka, with Congress attempting to expand its footprint in traditional BJP strongholds and testing CM Shivakumar's leadership beyond the 2023 victory coalition.
Key Questions Answered
The Congress party launched its Bharat Jodo 2.0 march to cover all 84 assembly constituencies it lost during the 2023 election, with the goal of identifying campaign shortfalls, consolidating political gains, and strengthening grassroots organization ahead of the 2028 state polls.
The march begins in Shikaripura, Shivamogga, which is the political stronghold of former chief minister BS Yediyurappa and BJP state president BY Vijayendra, spanning 29 districts over 84 days.
The Congress treats the 2028 Karnataka election as a vital stepping stone and organizational rehearsal for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, using the state government base to establish a solid platform for the national campaign.
