Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, two coastal districts of Karnataka that have traditionally been strong areas for the BJP, are now receiving special attention from Congress leader DK Shivakumar. The regions have a long history of support for the BJP and have also been strongly influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its Hindutva-based ideology.
With the next Karnataka Assembly election expected in 2028, Shivakumar appears to be preparing the Congress for a tough political battle in these districts. Instead of focusing only on areas where the Congress already has a strong base, the party is looking at regions where the BJP has traditionally enjoyed considerable support.
Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are politically important because of their strong ideological divisions and active political organisations. The BJP and its associated groups have built a strong presence in these areas over many years. For Congress, making significant gains here would therefore be a challenging but important task.
Shivakumar’s strategy appears to be aimed at connecting with different sections of voters, including traditional Congress supporters as well as people who have not firmly aligned themselves with any political party. The Congress may also try to focus on local issues, development, employment and other concerns that directly affect residents.
The move shows that the Congress is looking beyond its traditional support bases in Karnataka. By entering areas considered difficult for the party, the leadership hopes to increase its presence and challenge the BJP’s established political network.
The strategy will not be easy. The BJP has a strong organisational structure and a loyal voter base in coastal Karnataka. Congress will need to build support at the local level and convince voters that it can offer an alternative to the BJP.
The coming years will show whether Shivakumar’s approach can help Congress make a breakthrough in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. If the party succeeds in gaining support in these BJP strongholds, it could have a major impact on the political competition in Karnataka ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.