Congress’s Karnataka strategy: In power, but still in street protest mode
The Congress party in Karnataka has increasingly utilized street protests as a political tool since returning to power in 2023. This strategy aims to mobilize their base and challenge the central government on economic and social issues.
Why it matters
It reflects a shift in political tactics where governing parties use grassroots agitation to maintain relevance and pressure federal authorities.
Since returning to power in Karnataka in May 2023, the Congress has increasingly taken to the streets, staging protests on a range of issues, many directed against the Centre or its agencies. The strategy appears aimed at keeping its political base mobilised while projecting itself as a party willing to challenge what it describes as injustice to the State.
Protests, however, are not new to the Congress in power. The party has taken to streets over developments perceived to be against Karnataka’s interests, particularly the Cauvery river water dispute and language and border issues. During the tenures of S. Bangarappa in 1991 and S.M. Krishna (1999-2004), the Congress organised protests and padayatras against what it termed injustice to Karnataka in the sharing of Cauvery river water.
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