Karnataka elections 2023 results: Consolidation of Muslim votes ensured big win for Congress

Nine Muslims, all from Congress, were elected to the 224-member assembly, up from seven in 2018. The consolidation of Muslim votes, nearly 13% of the electorate, was apparent in favour of Congress. It’s usually split between the Congress and JD(S). The party had promised to restore the 4% quota for Muslims which was scrapped by the BJP government.
Congress gave tickets to 15 Muslims.The assembly had nine Muslims in 2008, which went up to 11 in 2013 (nine from Congress and two from JD(S). The highest number of Muslims elected, 16, was in 1978, while the lowest was two under Ramakrishna Hegde’s chief ministership in 1983.

Major issues like the scrapping of 4% reservation and Bajrang Dal ban ensured consolidation of minority votes, said Congress functionaries. “The community was under attack from BJP, and it sought to take away the reservation, forcing the community to vote in favour of the Grand Old Party,” said KPCC working president Saleem Ahmed.

Despite the JD(S) attempt to woo Muslims by fielding 23 candidates from the community this time, not one won. The Owaisi-led outfit contested two seats and only garnered 0. 02% of total votes polled, not winning a single seat, while Students Democratic Party of India, which fielded 16 candidates (11 Muslims, 5 others), drew a blank.
Congress’ manifesto promise banning Bajrang Dal was picked up aggressively by BJP and PM Modi to portray it as being against Lord Hanuman and Hindu sentiment. “However, people voted against misgovernance and rejected attempts at polarisation and division,” Congress leaders said.
It’s the first election since the ban on Islamist organisation Popular Front of India. The home ministry banned it for five years and notified it as an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act last September. SDPI is PFI’s political wing.
The two parties espousing the cause of Muslims banked on perceived resentment following controversies over hijab, halal and Tipu Sultan.