Karnataka polls: SDPI's move to field candidates likely to hit Cong's prospects

MANGALURU: As the assembly elections approach, the Congress party is working to secure its traditional voters while keeping a close watch on the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

In recent years, SDPI has emerged as a prominent political party in Coastal Karnataka due to its various movements, and it has gained popularity in the region for taking up issues concerning the common man.

SDPI's presence in Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections has enabled it to grow as a cadre-based party, focusing on issues concerning the common man. As the party's support grows, especially in minority strongholds, the Congress is concerned about how this may impact the upcoming election.

While SDPI has already announced candidates for 19 constituencies in the state, including five in Dakshina Kannada district, the party is reportedly working on fielding candidates in a few more constituencies where it enjoys strong support.

A senior Congress leader told Deccan Chronicle that while SDPI has shown its presence in Local Body elections, it remains to be seen how people will respond to the party in the assembly election.

"If they grab minority votes in those places where we have chances of winning by a narrow margin, then it would be difficult for our candidates,"  he said.
Congress leaders feel that if their candidates bring confidence among voters and succeed in making people understand the situation, there is nothing to worry about.

"This election is very crucial. In some places, where we had lost in the last election, we have chances of winning by a small margin. SDPI office bearers and workers will definitely vote for their candidate. If they succeed in attracting our voters, then we are likely to suffer. However, if our workers succeed in making people understand the need to vote for our party, and if our candidates bring confidence among the voters, then there is nothing to worry," the senior Congress leader added.