Journalism of Courage
Karnataka
Karnataka, a state in the southwestern region of India, has a vibrant and diverse political landscape that reflects its rich cultural heritage and dynamic socio-economic fabric. The state's political profile is characterized by a mix of national and regional parties, with the Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) being the key players. These parties have shaped the state's political and developmental trajectory over the years, with power often oscillating between them.
The INC has a long-standing presence in Karnataka, leveraging its historical legacy and national reach. It has traditionally enjoyed support from various communities across the state, including minorities and backward classes, focusing on welfare schemes, social justice, and secular policies to consolidate its voter base.
The BJP, on the other hand, has made significant inroads in Karnataka, especially in the coastal and northern regions, appealing to the Hindu majority with its nationalist agenda. Karnataka was the first southern state where the BJP formed a government on its own, marking a significant milestone in the party's expansion beyond its traditional strongholds in northern India.
The JD(S), a regional party with a strong base in the southern part of the state, particularly among the Vokkaliga community, plays a crucial role in the state's politics. Often seen as a kingmaker, the JD(S) has been part of both BJP and INC-led governments, highlighting its strategic importance in forming state governments.
Karnataka's politics are also influenced by issues such as water resource management, with disputes over river water sharing with neighboring states being a contentious topic. Additionally, the state's rapid economic growth, especially in the IT sector centered around Bengaluru, has brought issues like urban infrastructure, rural-urban divide, and sustainable development to the forefront of political discourse.
Elections in Karnataka are closely watched, as outcomes here are often seen as indicative of broader national political trends. The state's electorate is known for its discerning nature, making Karnataka's political landscape dynamic and competitive, reflecting the complexities and diversities of its society.
The INC has a long-standing presence in Karnataka, leveraging its historical legacy and national reach. It has traditionally enjoyed support from various communities across the state, including minorities and backward classes, focusing on welfare schemes, social justice, and secular policies to consolidate its voter base.
The BJP, on the other hand, has made significant inroads in Karnataka, especially in the coastal and northern regions, appealing to the Hindu majority with its nationalist agenda. Karnataka was the first southern state where the BJP formed a government on its own, marking a significant milestone in the party's expansion beyond its traditional strongholds in northern India.
The JD(S), a regional party with a strong base in the southern part of the state, particularly among the Vokkaliga community, plays a crucial role in the state's politics. Often seen as a kingmaker, the JD(S) has been part of both BJP and INC-led governments, highlighting its strategic importance in forming state governments.
Karnataka's politics are also influenced by issues such as water resource management, with disputes over river water sharing with neighboring states being a contentious topic. Additionally, the state's rapid economic growth, especially in the IT sector centered around Bengaluru, has brought issues like urban infrastructure, rural-urban divide, and sustainable development to the forefront of political discourse.
Elections in Karnataka are closely watched, as outcomes here are often seen as indicative of broader national political trends. The state's electorate is known for its discerning nature, making Karnataka's political landscape dynamic and competitive, reflecting the complexities and diversities of its society.
KARNATAKA NEWS
Karnataka appoints special counsel in bid to revive probe into 2022 'illegal voter data collection' cases
January 06, 2026 3:38 pm
The appointment of special counsel Prof Ravivarma Kumar came in the wake of vote theft allegations raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Mahadevapura and Aland Assembly constituencies.
It’s Union minister vs state minister and Cong MLC vs BJP MLA, as elected representatives clash in separate incidents in Karnataka
January 05, 2026 9:59 pm
Congress MLC Bhimrao Patil and BJP MLA Siddu Patil clashed over a land encroachment issue in Bidar.
Karnataka suspends 5 sub-registrars over fraudulent registration of 1,322 properties worth Rs 250 crore
January 06, 2026 11:43 am
The Karnataka Government’s e-khata system, introduced with considerable publicity as a digital safeguard, faces serious questions in the wake of the property registration fraud.
Dharwad ‘honour’ killing: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announces fast-track court, new legislation
January 05, 2026 3:46 am
Karnataka reported three cases of honour killing last year.
Karnataka man kills woman for refusing his marriage proposal, dies by suicide hours later
January 04, 2026 6:31 pm
After the news of the woman’s murder spread on Saturday, Hindu outfits had given a call for a Yellapur bandh, terming the killing as a fallout of ‘Love Jihad’.
Karnataka HC imposes Rs 1 lakh fine in 20-year-old property dispute, says waste of judicial time must be dealt with using 'iron hands'
January 02, 2026 9:23 am
The decades-long legal battle over 3 acres of Bengaluru land involved the family of two brothers and a rival claimant, who allegedly forged documents.
Clashes erupt in Karnataka's Ballari over banner dispute
January 02, 2026 8:16 am
What began as a verbal altercation soon escalated into a physical clash, with supporters from both sides allegedly resorting to stone-pelting.
Kogilu eviction: ‘90 of 167 families evicted found eligible for houses’
January 01, 2026 7:56 pm
Yelahanka BJP MLA S R Vishwanath said the party would mount a legal challenge against the Karnataka government’s decision to allot houses to Kogilu evictees.
Instagram birthday wish turns fatal: Karnataka man stabbed to death by his ex-girlfriends's brother, fiancé
January 01, 2026 7:44 pm
The 21-year-old man from Chikkamagaluru was allegedly called to an underpass and stabbed to death by his former girlfriend's brother and her fiancé.
BJP wants NIA to verify Kogilu evictees’ citizenship, accuses Karnataka Govt of creating 'mini-Bangladesh'
December 31, 2025 9:31 pm
The BJP's demand came amid a war of words over an alternative arrangement the Government has announced for the eligible evictees of Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout, near Kogilu Cross in Bengaluru.
KARNATAKA PHOTOS
Oppn forms INDIA alliance to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 polls
July 19, 2023 3:58 pm
The meeting in Bengaluru where 26 Opposition parties participated came to an end on Tuesday.
Karnataka Elections 2023: Celebrations rage across cities as Congress wins
May 13, 2023 2:30 pm
KCET 2022 Mock Seat Allotment Result Declared: Websites to check list
October 27, 2022 5:07 pm
KCET 2022: Mock allotment result was announced on October 21, candidates could change their preference from October 21 to 26.
Bharat Jodo Yatra: Slain journalist Gauri Lankesh's mother and sister walk with Rahul Gandhi
October 07, 2022 9:24 pm
Indira and Kavita Lankesh joined the foot march at Bhuvanahalli village of Nagamangala taluk in Karnataka.
Mysuru is decked up for Dasara festivities. See pics
October 05, 2022 12:09 pm
Mysuru Dasara festival is celebrated over 10 days starting with Navratri and on the 10th day (Vijaya Dashami), the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in a grand procession.
World Tourism Day: Check out these black and white pictures of popular tourist haunts in Karnataka
September 27, 2022 12:35 pm
How many of these places have you visited?
Tourists witness the remarkable blooming of Neelakurinji flowers in Chikmagalur that happens once in 12 years
September 26, 2022 6:20 pm
The Western Ghat is covered with purple-blue Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years and look spectacular in the sunlight!
Once every 12 years, Neelakurinji flowers bloom in Karnataka
September 26, 2022 2:34 pm
The Neelakurinji flowers bloom once every 12 years. However, blooming seasons have become unpredictable over the years due to changing weather patterns.
Bengaluru's Lal Bagh blossoms as Independence Day nears
August 11, 2022 3:55 pm
In Bengaluru, Lal Bagh's famous flower show is back after a two-year hiatus. Here's a glimpse into the event at the city's botanical garden.
KARNATAKA VIDEOS
Kannur International Airport Set to Take Flight
June 22, 2020 6:08 pm
Kannur International Airport (KIAL), the fourth in Kerala, will be dedicated to the nation on December 9. The airport will offer better access to travellers from north Kerala and parts of Karnataka like Coorg.
RSS to ABVP to BJP, Ananth Kumar stayed relevant from Vajpayee’s party to Modi’s cabinet
June 22, 2020 6:11 pm
Ananth Kumar passed away on Monday morning due to pancreatic cancer. Through the years, he has managed to be one of the men that found a place in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet in NDA-I to NDA-II under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
I-T Department Raids Karnataka Energy Minister's Residence
June 22, 2020 6:57 pm
Man throws paper bag at Karnataka CM protesting caste bias
February 21, 2016 2:09 pm
Bengaluru, Feb 21 (ANI): A man threw a paper bag at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a function at Ravindra Kalakshetra, protesting caste bias on Sunday. The man was arrested immediately after the incident. The security officials present at the spot found that the paper bag was filled with chocolates.
Belgaum: One dead, several injured in LPG cylinder blast
February 16, 2016 4:12 pm
Karnataka, Feb 16 (ANI): At least one person was killed and several others injured after a LPG cylinder went off in Belgaum district of Karnataka on Tuesday. Fire tenders have rushed to the spot to douse the flame.
Mysuru is India's cleanest city
February 15, 2016 1:38 pm
New Delhi, Feb 15 (ANI): Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu announced top ten cities in the order of merit as per the Swachh Sarvekshan commissioned across 75 cities. This is to promote a healthy spirit of competition among the cities. He announced Mysore, Karnataka, as the cleanest city in the country and the other nine cities were Chandigarh, Tiruchirapalli, New Delhi Municipal Council, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Rajkot, Gangtok, Pimpri Chindwad, and Greater Mumbai. Cities with over 10 lakh population were surveyed to check how clean or filthy they were. The Swachh Sarvekshan website has been launched.
Last rites of Hanamanthappa performed with full state honours
February 12, 2016 9:26 am
Dharwad, Feb 12 (ANI): Last rites of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who passed away on Thursday morning, were performed with full state honours, including a 21-gun salute, in his hometown Dharwad of Karnataka on Friday. Hanamanthappa was rescued alive from under 35 feet of snow six days after his post in Siachen was hit by a glacier.
Tributes paid to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa in Hubli
February 12, 2016 5:40 am
Hubli (Karnataka), Feb 12 (ANI): People paid their last respects to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa at the Nehru stadium in Hubli district of Karnataka on Friday. The mortal remains of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa have been kept for public viewing. The last rites of Hanamanthappa will be performed in his home town Dharwad in Karnataka later in the day.
The Attack On Tanzanian Woman Had An Element of Racism & Mob Justice: Envoy
February 07, 2016 3:41 pm
Speaking on the attack of a Tanzanian woman, Karnataka home minister read out the woman's complaint, saying nowhere does it mention that she was stripped and paraded naked.
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