The electorate in Chikkaballapur, comprising urban pockets and industrial areas in Bengaluru’s hinterland, has handed Congress’ MS Raksha Ramaiah, son of former minister MR Seetharam, a defeat. Former health minister K Sudhakar of the BJP, who had struggled after his loss in the 2023 assembly elections, achieved a significant victory margin in this election.
The BJP’s strategic reliance on support from JD(S) — which had garnered over 2.3 lakh votes from the six assembly segments it contested in the 2023 elections — proved successful. The JD(S) voters shifted their allegiance to the BJP, aiding in Sudhakar’s win. Despite the successful implementation of guarantees and receiving votes from backward class and minority communities, the Congress couldn’t surpass the BJP. Caste dynamics played a crucial role, with Raksha Ramaiah from the Balija community (over 1.2 lakh votes) and Sudhakar from the Vokkaliga community (nearly 5 lakh votes). The consolidation of Vokkaliga votes contributed to Sudhakar’s victory, countering the Balija votes that had previously led to his 2023 loss.
During the campaign, voter dissatisfaction with representatives for not addressing water issues impacted voting decisions. Both candidates had promised to complete the Yettinahole project to bring water to the region, a key issue for the electorate.
