Congress Loses Ground in Bengaluru City After 2019 Exodus and Shifts Focus to New Leadership

Following the massive exodus of Congress leaders from Bengaluru city in 2019, the party’s fortunes have taken a significant hit. The trend of desertions continued even after the party formed a new leadership, leaving behind a power vacuum that opponents have exploited.

The last two years have seen an alarming number of top Congress leaders from Bengaluru city abandoning ship, with many joining rival parties or quitting politics altogether. This exodus has weakened the Congress’s hold on the city, which was once considered its stronghold.

Experts attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including changing voter preferences, the rise of alternative parties like JD(S) and BJP, and the failure of Congress to adapt to the new political landscape. The exodus has not only eroded the party’s credibility in Bengaluru but also created an opportunity for its opponents to gain ground.

BJP, which had initially benefited from the desertions by gaining some disgruntled Congress leaders, seems to be taking advantage of the situation. However, with new leadership emerging within the Congress party, there is a renewed sense of optimism about the party’s prospects in Bengaluru city. The party has started to regroup and recharge, focusing on grassroots-level organizing and outreach programs.

“We are not worried about the exodus of leaders,” said a senior Congress leader, who wished to remain anonymous. “What matters is that we have new energies coming into the party. We are focused on winning back the trust of our voters and regaining our footing in Bengaluru city.”